Bollywood Movies That Were “Inspired” by Hollywood

Bollywood has a long history of drawing inspiration from Hollywood, sometimes a little too closely. While some films proudly credit their sources, others quietly borrow plots, scenes, and even entire storylines without acknowledgment. Whether you call it homage, adaptation, or outright copying, the influence of Hollywood on Bollywood is undeniable.

Here’s a look at some Bollywood movies that bear a striking resemblance to Hollywood films—some credited, some not.

Kaante (2002) – Reservoir Dogs (1992) & The Usual Suspects (1995)

Sanjay Gupta’s Kaante was marketed as India’s first true multi-starrer heist thriller. However, anyone familiar with Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs and Bryan Singer’s The Usual Suspects would immediately spot the similarities. From the nonlinear storytelling to the character dynamics, Kaante borrows heavily from both films. The iconic lineup scene, the betrayal twists, and even the suits-and-sunglasses aesthetic scream Tarantino.

While Kaante tried to add its own flavor with Bollywood-style drama, it couldn’t escape comparisons. Interestingly, the film’s climax borrows more from The Usual Suspects, making it a mashup rather than a direct copy.

Bang Bang! (2014) – Knight and Day (2010)

Hrithik Roshan’s Bang Bang! was a high-octane action-romance that mirrored Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz’s Knight and Day. The plot follows a charming but mysterious man who drags an unsuspecting woman into a dangerous adventure involving spies, chases, and globe-trotting escapades.

The similarities don’t stop there—even some action sequences, like the bike chase and the airplane scene, feel eerily familiar. While Bang Bang! was a commercial success, critics pointed out its lack of originality. Fox Studios, which produced Knight and Day, even officially licensed the remake rights, making this one of the rare cases where Bollywood legally adapted a Hollywood script.

Ghajini (2008) – Memento (2000)

Aamir Khan’s Ghajini was a massive hit, but its premise was undeniably borrowed from Christopher Nolan’s cult classic Memento. Both films revolve around a protagonist with short-term memory loss seeking revenge for the murder of a loved one.

However, Ghajini took a more commercial approach, adding Bollywood-style action and romance, whereas Memento was a psychological thriller with a unique reverse-chronological narrative. While Ghajini never officially admitted to being a remake, the similarities were too glaring to ignore.

Partner (2007) – Hitch (2005)

David Dhawan’s Partner, starring Salman Khan and Govinda, was a direct lift from Will Smith’s Hitch. The concept of a “date doctor” who helps men win over women was copied almost scene-for-scene, including the misunderstandings and eventual romantic resolutions.

The only major difference was the addition of Govinda’s comic antics, which gave the film a more slapstick tone compared to Hitch’s smoother rom-com vibe. Despite the lack of originality, Partner was a box-office success, proving that Bollywood audiences didn’t mind the déjà vu.

Zinda (2006) – Oldboy (2003)

Sanjay Gupta’s Zinda was a dark, violent thriller that borrowed heavily from Park Chan-wook’s Korean masterpiece Oldboy. The story of a man imprisoned for years and then suddenly released, seeking revenge, was nearly identical. Even the infamous hallway fight scene was recreated, though with less impact.

The original Oldboy was praised for its brutal storytelling and shocking twist, while Zinda was criticized for its excessive violence without the same emotional depth. Interestingly, Oldboy itself was based on a Japanese manga, proving that inspiration flows in all directions.

Murder (2004) – Unfaithful (2002)

Mahesh Bhatt’s Murder starring Emraan Hashmi was a steamy thriller that mirrored Adrian Lyne’s Unfaithful. Both films follow a married woman who engages in a dangerous affair, leading to disastrous consequences. The tension, the erotic sequences, and even the climax bore a strong resemblance.

While Unfaithful was a critical success, Murder was more of a commercial potboiler with added Bollywood drama. The film launched Emraan Hashmi’s “serial kisser” image, but it didn’t hide the fact that its plot was borrowed.

Phir Hera Pheri (2006) – Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

The Hera Pheri franchise is beloved in Bollywood, but Phir Hera Pheri’s plot was suspiciously similar to Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. The chaotic comedy about a botched deal, multiple gangs, and mistaken identities followed the same template.

While the original Hera Pheri was inspired by the Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking, the sequel took a detour into British crime-comedy territory. The fast-paced, interconnected storytelling was a clear nod to Ritchie’s style, though with Akshay Kumar’s signature humor.

Players (2012) – The Italian Job (2003)

Abbas-Mustan’s Players was a heist film that copied The Italian Job almost frame-for-frame. From the gold robbery to the Mini Cooper chase, the similarities were impossible to miss. Even the team dynamics—the tech expert, the explosives guy, the smooth-talking leader—were identical.

The only major change was the addition of a Bollywood-style revenge subplot. Despite the star cast, Players flopped, proving that simply copying a Hollywood hit doesn’t guarantee success.

Bhaagamathie (2018) – The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)

Anushka Shetty’s Bhaagamathie was a supernatural thriller that borrowed elements from The Exorcism of Emily Rose. The courtroom drama mixed with horror, the possession sequences, and the psychological twists were all reminiscent of the Hollywood film.

However, Bhaagamathie added a political conspiracy angle, making it more than just a horror flick. While not a direct copy, the inspiration was clear.

Dilwale (2015) – The Nice Guys (1990) & Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

Rohit Shetty’s Dilwale was a mix of action, comedy, and romance, but its core plot resembled The Nice Guys and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The story of two brothers-turned-outlaws, their reunion, and the ensuing chaos felt like a Bollywood version of classic Hollywood buddy films.

While Dilwale had the trademark Shetty-style action and SRK-Kajol chemistry, the storyline was far from original.

Final Thoughts

Bollywood’s habit of borrowing from Hollywood isn’t new, and it’s not always a bad thing—some of India’s biggest hits are remakes. However, the line between inspiration and plagiarism often blurs. While some films credit their sources, others quietly replicate, hoping audiences won’t notice.

What do you think? Are these “homages” acceptable, or should Bollywood focus on more original storytelling? Let us know in the comments!

Further Reading:

• 10 Hollywood Movies That Copied Other Films

• Official Remakes vs. Unofficial Copies in Bollywood

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