30 January,2024 02:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Stills from Hera Pheri and Chup Chup Ke
Priyadarshan Birthday 2024: While the filmmaker is widely known for his Hind comedy films like 'Hera Pheri', 'Hulchul', 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' among others, he has also made non-comical films like the historical Malayalam epic film 'Kaalapaani', period drama 'Kancheevaram' and more recently Mohanlal-starter 'Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea'. He stepped into Bollywood in the early 2000s and made several hit comedy films. However, most of these films are an adaptation of Malayalam films.
On Priyadarshan's birthday, we look at his timeless comedy films that have the power to cheer you up on your low days and the original films that inspired them:
Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2012):
This 2012 film starring Akshay Kumar as a psychologist is the remake of the hit Malayalam film 'Manichitrathazhu' starring Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi and Shobana in the lead. The original directed by Faazil (father of actor Fahad Faasil) won Shobana a National Award as well. Her role was reprised by Vidya Balan in the Hindi remake.
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Hera Pheri (2000):
Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty's iconic comedy film became a cult classic. The film is the official remake of 1989 Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking. It is the first installment of the 'Hera Pheri' franchise. The second part was directed by Neeraj Vora who is credited as the writer of the first film of the franchise.
Chup Chup Ke (2006):
The film stars Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Suniel Shetty, Neha Dhupia, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Shakti Kapoor, Om Puri and Anupam Kher. It is a remake of the 1998 Malayalam language film Punjabi House which starred Dileep in the lead. This film was originally titled 'Khatta Meetha'.
Khatta Meetha (2010):
Starring Akshay Kumar and Trisha in the lead, this is a political satire comedy film. This is one of the many Mohanlal films remade by Priyadarshan. The original Malayalam film titled 'Vellanakalude Nadu' was also directed by Priyadarshan.
Mere Baap Pehle Aap (2008):
This is a comedy family drama that stars Akshaye Khanna, Genelia Deshmukh, Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, Shobana, among others. It is the remake of the 2001 Malayalam film 'Ishtam' starring Dileep and Navya Nair.
De Dana Dan (2009):
This chaotic comedy film stars Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Katrina Kaif, Paresh Rawal and Sameera Reddy in the lead with many other talented actors. Its story is a partial adaptation of the Hollywood film Screwed; some scenes were taken from Vettam, Priyadarshan's Malayalam film.
Kyon Ki (2005):
It is not a comedy film, but this romantic film starring Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor will melt your heart. The film is a remake of Priyadarshan's own 1986 Malayalam film 'Thalavattam' which in turn was inspired by the 1975 movie 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' which was adapted from Ken Kesey's 1962 novel of the same name.
Hungama (2006):
This comedy film has had quite the remake journey in itself. It is a remake of Priyadarshan's own 1984 Malayalam film 'Poochakkoru Mookkuthi' which itself was based on the 1980 Telugu movie 'Gopal Rao Gari Ammayi'. Hungama stars Akshaye Khanna, Paresh Rawal, Aftab Shivdasani, and Rimi Sen in prominent roles.
Hulchul (2004):
A romantic comedy, the film sees the lead pair portrayed by Kareena Kapoor and Akshaye Khanna fight their family for their love. The film is the official remake of the 1991 Malayalam film 'Godfather'.
Bhagam Bhag (2006)
The film starring Akshay Kumar and Govinda in the lead tells the story of a theatre group that travels to London for a show only to be accused of a murder they did not commit, while mistakenly becoming the enemies of a drug dealer and a gang. It is based on the 1995 Malayalam film 'Mannar Mathai Speaking' which itself is the sequel to the film 'Ramji Rao Speaking'. As mentioned earlier, 'Hera Pheri' is the remake of 'Ramji Rao Speaking'.
Dhol (2007):
Starring Rajpal Yadav, Sharman Joshi, Tusshar Kapoor, and Kunal Kemmu, this film is a remake of the 1990 Malayalam film 'In Harihar Nagar'.
