Remakes seem to be the thing to do in Bollywood at the moment. With the much hyped and anticipated Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag (Sholay remake) all set to hit the screens, it made us wonder what other classic films would be great to relive again through a remake. That is why we have concocted a list of ten movies we feel that should be remade. Most people hate remakes because they think it’s killing a classic. But what we are doing with this list is kind of playing a fantasy game picking and choosing current actors/directors who we would like to see leave their marks on these classics. If the list of actors seems a bit repetitive, it’s only because we’re going with big names we know would attract audiences. Here is our list:
1. Silsila
One of the greatest love stories ever told. There is no doubt in my mind that this film would work right now if it were remade. It is the perfect film for today’s audience. Let’s face it; people in today’s generation have gone soft, compared to the past. This is exactly why the film didn’t work in the past. If this epic film were to be remade for this generation, then it would most likely be the biggest hit of the year. Who better to direct this than the son of the director of the original, Aditya Chopra. He would make his big comeback with this film after his long layoff. A Yashraj Film movie means only one leading man, and that is none other than Shahrukh Khan. He would be the ideal man to take over the role of Amitabh Bachchan, as chocolate heroism is what he is known for. Rekha’s role would go to Kajol. That would bring people to frenzy as their favorite couple is being brought together because of me. Then Jaya Bachchan’s role would belong to Rani Mukerji. Shashi Kapoor’s role would go to Salman Khan. He has good chemistry with Rani and it would also attract people to see him and SRK play brothers after Karan-Arjun. Sanjeev Kumar’s role would fall into the hands of Ajay Devgan. Now that would make for a very interesting plot as Salman dies and leaves his love Rani behind, forcing his brother SRK to marry her. This would leave SRK’s love Kajol, all alone, which would force her to marry Ajay. The SRK-Kajol-Ajay trio is enough to intrigue audiences. Now that sounds like a hit film for this generation to me.
2. Amar Akbar Anthony
There were rumors about this one being made, but those rumors have quickly faded away. For this one, I would give it a nostalgic twist. Firstly, the director would be Farhan Akhtar because this is the type of movie he would excel making. These movies are his forte, especially because of Dil Chahta Hai. The roles of Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna, and Rishi Kapoor would go to their sons, Abhishek Bachchan, Akshaye Khanna, and Ranbir Kapoor. It would be great to see the sons take over their fathers’ roles. The female leads would be Urmila taking over for Shabana Azmi, Priyanka Chopra taking over for Parveen Babi, and Deepika Padukone taking over for Neetu Singh. Frankly speaking all three of those ladies would work wonderfully with the three male leads. The role of Pran would go to Boman Irani as he can suit any role given to him. Nirupa Roy’s role would go to Kirron Kher as she is the quintessential Bollywood mom these days. This would be one interesting remake and with Raju Hirani leading the way with this cast, it’s one that might actually work too.
3. Shaan
A great action movie that would work wonderfully even today. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, it would only make sense if his son, Rohan Sippy would direct the remake. Taking over Amitabh Bachchan’s role would be Akshay Kumar. He was the best action hero once upon a time, and it would be wonderful to see him back in the genre. For Shashi Kapoor’s role, I would go with John Abraham. I think the Akshay-John combo would be better here than in Garam Masala as they are both suited more for action films. Sunil Dutt’s role would be given to Sanjay Dutt, just to see him relive one of his father’s roles. Shatrughan Sinha’s role would go to Anil Kapoor. I’m going with this because Anil is the successor to Shatrughan when it comes to the best moustache in Bollywood. The two female leads would go to Lara Dutta in Parveen Babi’s role and Katrina Kaif in the other female lead role. They would look great opposite Akshay and John. Kulbhushan’s role would be given to Nana Patekar. He would make an awesome villain. With a remake of such a big film and a promising cast, it would be a great action film to watch.
4. Andaz Apna Apna
One of the greatest comedies of all time. Now with comedy being as big as ever in Bollywood, this would be the perfect movie to remake. The director would have to be Priyardarshan as no one handles comedy better than him. Aamir Khan’s role would go to Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan’s role would go to Saif Ali Khan. About ten years back, they made an awesome duo in some films and I’m sure they could recreate the magic in the remake of this classic. Karishma Kapoor’s role would go to her sister Kareena and Raveena’s role would go to Bipasha Basu. I know the two lovely ladies don’t see eye to eye, but things are better now and they wouldn’t mind working together. Boman Irani would do Paresh Rawal’s double role. He is pretty much another Paresh Rawal, so he would be perfect for the role. Shakti Kapoor’s role would go to Rajpal Yadav. It would be hilarious to watch the little man as Crime Master Gogo. With a team like that, I know the laughs would be non-stop and the movie would work in a big way.
5. Mr. India
Here is a film that worked in a huge way when it was made way back in 1987. Just wonder how much bigger it would be if it were to be made in today’s time. With the special effects today, this movie would be in a bigger scale than the original. After Krrish, I would let Rakesh Roshan direct this and show he has a thing for superhero type films. Well if it’s a Rakesh movie that means only one hero and that is Hrithik Roshan. He will take place of Mr. Moustache, er, India a.k.a. Anil Kapoor. Sridevi’s role can go to Priyanka Chopra. Amrish Puri’s role would go to Naseeruddin Shah. He would make one bad Mogambo. Basically what I’m doing is giving Rakesh his Krissh cast to work with so he can try and outdo himself by recreating a classic. The tools are there for him for success, but it’s up to him to make it work. That is if he chooses to, but that’s a big if.
6. Abhimaan
A classic tale of a husband’s jealousy of his wife’s success. A theme like that would work in today’s times as there are many men who are insecure of their wives. Subhash Ghai would carry a theme like this out well. He does well with romantic films relating to music. Amitabh Bachchan’s role would go to Hrithik Roshan. I feel he would be able to pull off the subtlety, which is required for this performance. Jaya Bachchan’s role would Aishwarya Rai. Watching Hrithik and Ash in a film where they both stand out would be sizzling. Subhash Ghai in a music related romantic film, Ash being cast opposite Hrithik, a remake of a Bachchan film, it all spells box office magic to me.
7. Mughal-E-Azam
Perhaps the biggest epic in Indian cinema. It would take a lot of hard work to recreate such a movie, but I feel that if handed to the right person, it can be handled well. The first person that comes to my mind is Ashutosh Gowariker. He gave us Lagaan and now is getting Jodhaa-Akbar ready for release, so he knows a thing or two about making epics. Prithviraj Kapoor’s role would go to Amitabh Bachchan. Who else would make a better angry father than the Big B? He would knock the house down with this role. Dilip Kumar’s role would go to Aamir Khan. I feel only he can do justice to such a role from today’s generation of actors. Plus working with Gowariker once again will help also. Madhubala’s role would be given to Aishwarya Rai. If anyone has the look and grace of Madhubala, then it, most certainly, is Aishwarya. Nobody else can do the role. A remake of Bollywood’s biggest epic plus Big B/Aamir/Ash/Ash equals a potential blockbuster film that would win all the awards of the year.
8. Hum Aapke Hain Kaun
One of the biggest hits in Bollywood history will most likely be remade sooner or later. So, we’re thinking why not sooner. The perfect person to remake this film would be Karan Johar as he is an expert in making family films. As a matter of fact, he probably took lessons from HAHK. For the casting I am going to go a bit of an unconventional route, so that means no SRK even with Karan directing the film. Salman Khan’s role will be given to Shahid Kapur. He is a junior SRK so Karan won’t be missing much without SRK. Also, he is quite a chocolate hero, so would fit in nicely for Salman’s Prem. Madhuri Dixit’s role would go to Preity Zinta. No matter the age difference, these two may actually look good together, so the pairing would be intriguing. Rani Mukerji can play Renuka Shahane’s role because her and Preity always seem sisterly when they do films together and this seems like a perfect movie for her to be a part of. Karan need not worry as he still has his leading ladies intact. Monish Behl’s role can be played by Rahul Khanna. Yes, he is barely seen on screen, but he would be suiting for the part. Rajpal Yadav can play Laxmikant Berde’s role, as there is no one better to play the servant/sidekick. As for the role of the parents, the actors from the original can reprise their roles. People will line up to see this film just because it is a remake of such a big film, so it doesn’t matter who is part of the cast.
9. Sangam
One of the greatest love stories ever told in Bollywood. Now a movie like this would seem formulaic for today’s generation, but given the right cast and director, it would still be huge because when it’s all said and done, the Indian audience likes nothing better than a good romantic film. Now the director for this one would be Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He would make this movie look beautiful as he does with his romantic movies. Raj Kapoor’s role would go to Shah Rukh Khan. No one can play such a role like this other than SRK. This role has his name written all over it. Well it’s about to get very interesting now. Rajendra Kumar’s role would go to Aamir Khan. Well for those who wanted to see the two Khans together for the first time, well there you go. Aamir can be seen in any type of role, so it is perfectly fine to put him here. Vyjayanthimala’s role would go to Madhuri Dixit. It would be magical to see three of the biggest stars of recent times on screen at the same time. Putting these three in a film together would make the film work in a massive way. Then you also have SLB as the director who is always capable of brining out the best in his actors. These three actors along with SLB adds up to a runaway success and a classic in the making.
10. Trishul
Perhaps one of Yash Chopra’s most underrated films. This one almost always goes unmentioned when discussing Yashji’s best. But the fact of the matter is the movie is so good that it can be made today and still be loved. The directorial opportunity would go to Rajkumar Santoshi. He would be the best choice to direct this film out of all the current directors. Amitabh Bachchan’s role would be given once again to Abhishek Bachchan because truthfully speaking; no one can replicate the legend like his own son. Sanjeev Kumar’s role would go to Sanjay Dutt because he was able to play Hrithik Roshan’s father in Mission Kashmir, so it wouldn’t be difficult to play Abhishek’s father as well. All he needs a little make up and he’ll be set to go. Saif Ali Khan would sway in to play Shashi Kapoor’s role, as he seems fitting for the role. Waheeda Rehman’s role would go to Tabu, as she has just proven with The Namesake that she also can put some make up and look like a mother to an adult. Rakhee Gulzar’s role and Hema Malini’s role would go to Preity Zinta and Vidya Balan, respectively. We already know they share great chemistry opposite Abhishek and Saif. Poonam Dhillon’s role would go to Ayesha Takia. She can play the little sister to Abhishek and Saif very well. Finally, Paresh Rawal can play Prem Chopra’s villain role because that man can play any role in his sleep. Now that would be a remake worth fireworks as it is all set to become a very big hit.
