Article: 10 Korean Movies Copied By Bollywood

Bollywood adores the idea of remaking famous movies, songs, and dramas of high-rated Hollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood, and even Japanese and Korean films. We are all aware of this trend, whether you call it inspiration or plagiarism, there are some depictions that we love to see, and then there are cases where people criticize Bollywood for ruining the originality and vibe of the original movie. When the Korean wave reached India, it greatly influenced the entertainment industry; here is a list of 10 Korean films that Bollywood remade. Whether the movies were successful? Or was the remade version good than the original? It depends on how viewers take it.

1. Barfi! (2012)

Barfi! is inspired by a Korean film released in 2002 called “Lover's Concerto." It became a critically acclaimed movie and was a hit among audiences; even though it was a remake, the makers beautifully blended some cultural references without ruining the essence of the story. The Hindi remake received a nomination for India's official entry at the Oscars. The film starred Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, and Ileana D'Cruz.

2. Bharat (2019)

Bharat, a multi-starrer film with Salman Khan in the lead, is a remake of the Korean film Ode to My Father. The plot is about the post-independence scenario of India through the eyes of a man named Bharat from his childhood to old age. The Hindi remake failed to impress the audience and the critics. Even with a huge cast, it could not bring the magic that the original Korean movie had. Ode to My Father depicts the Korean era from 1950 to 2010. The original film became a hit in the first five days of its release.

3. Ek Villain (2014)

I Saw the Devil is a Korean thriller released in 2010. Ek Villain, released in 2010, was an adaptation of this original Korean film. The remade version of the film performed well at the Indian box office. Ek Villain was a typical Bollywood movie with romance, unnecessary melodrama, and action. Whereas I Saw the Devil was a gore, violent crime drama with a moving storyline. The original film received acclaim from the critics.

4. Radhe (2021)

Radhe a Salman Khan starrer, was an enormous disappointment at the box office. Radhe is a remake of The Outlaws (released in 2017). Radhe was again a product of Bollywood serving nothing new for the audiences, the same old cliche story, foolish action sequences, choreography, and songs. The Outlaws was a huge success, an action-thriller starring Ma Dong‑Seok, Yoon Kye‑sang, and Kim Sung‑kyu. The story is about detectives and gangsters who team up to fight a criminal organization.

5. Jazbaa (2015)

Jazbaa, starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Irrfan Khan, was a remake of 4 Days (2007), which also failed miserably. Seven Days starred Kim Yun-jin, who won the Best Actress Award at the Grand Bell Award for her lead role in the film. The Hindi remake was unable to impress the Indian audience. The story follows the lead (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), a lawyer. One day her daughter is kidnapped by the kidnapper, demanding she defends a felon charged with rape and murder. With very little time left, she with her police friend (Irrfan Khan) struggles to win the case.

6. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015)

Sooraj Barjatya and Salman Khan, as a duo, remade the Korean film "Masquerade," which is considered one of the most successful Korean movies of all time. Masquerade has a rating of 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo had a lot of bling but no vibe. There were posh sets, costumes, and settings. But it failed to deliver the promise of being an entertainer. Bollywood and remakes go hand-in-hand. It is like a never-ending cycle. If you are a fan of Bollywood songs, dance numbers, and of course, Salman Bhai, then you probably liked this Hindi remake.

7. Murder 2 (2011)

Murder 2 was somewhat successful in taking inspiration from The Chaser, a Korean psychological drama released in 2008. Murder 2 did well during its release. The Chaser is based on the real-life serial killer Yoo Young-Chul. The directors were relatively successful in capturing the original film's dark theme. The songs became an instant hit as soon as the movie was released. Millennials still relate to and enjoy these songs today.

8. Rocky Handsome (2016)

John Abraham's starring movie is a remake of The Man of Nowhere (2010). The story was about a man protecting a young girl from dangerous criminals. There are many similarities between both movies. The makers copied many fighting sequences without any alternations. This action thriller did not perform well at the box office. The Man from Nowhere was emotionally gripping, and action scenes were shown wisely throughout the film.

9. Dhamaka (2021)

The Korean movie "The Terror Live" was about a famous TV anchor stuck in a hostage situation where terrorists are involved. Kartik Aaryan played the character of the same journalist in the remade version of the film. The responses to "Dhamaka" were average. The audience appreciated the character played by Kartik Aaryan. Overall, the movie is a one-time watch for those looking for a decent thriller to binge. It is available on Netflix.

10. Jawaani Jaaneman (2020)

Jawaani Jaaneman is the remake of the South Korean Film-Scandal Makers (released in 2008). This comedy-drama is about a middle-aged man who is left surprised when one day, a young girl named Tia claims to be his daughter and is pregnant. The film included Saif Ali Khan and Tabu. Even though it did not perform well, it is a lighthearted drama that you can watch by fast-forwarding some scenes. The story is simple, and the songs are ok. Overall, it is an average film.