David Lagachu
6. Singham (2011)
After giving a new lease of life into Ajay Devgan’s career with the ‘Golmaal’ series Rohit Shetty went a step further and started the ‘Singham’ franchise with him. He unabashedly, although officially, borrowed not only the name but also the essence of the Tamil action entertainer ‘Singam’ (2010). One can trust on Rohit Shetty to make the bizarre look normal in his films and ‘Singham’ is no exception. Ajay Devgan flies in the air to beat up the goons just like the gravity defying cars that decorates a scene. ‘Singham’ looks and feels like one of those dubbed South Indian movies that are constantly running on TV channels. It is a classic case of beating the devil in its own game. It is a Hindi movie that is South Indian in its heart and soul and very easily surpasses the original in its popularity and credentials.
5. Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)
In 1972 director Ramesh Sippy gave an unforeseen cinematic twist to the classic ‘Ram Aur Shyam’ by placing a female lead at the centre of events. Hema Malini was roped in to play the much glorified twins whose chalk and cheese personalities confuse the hell out of the people around them. As mentioned earlier in the list ‘Ram Aur Shyam’ was a remake of the Tamil blockbuster ‘Ramudu Bheemudu’ and so ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’ is just a legacy of the latter. Full marks to Ramesh Sippy for twisting the subject matter at its core by putting an actress in charge and challenging patriarchy through entertainment. Hema Malini won her only Filmfare best actress award for her double role.
4. Drishyam (2015)
‘Drishyam’ has been made in six languages – Tamil, Telegu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi and Sinhala – and it’s debatable as to which version is the best as each one of them has its own distinct flavour and style. Fans of Bollywood will agree that the 2015 version directed by Nishikant Kamat towers above the rest. To begin with it is powered by Ajay Devgan’s restrained and intense performance as a man who will do anything to protect his family. The screenplay, the cinematography and the plausible dialogues are in sync with the fast paced story that is literally a blink and a miss. The film is intelligent as well as massy and has tremendous repeat value which is always a sign of a good thriller. Tabu is first rate in the role of an Inspector General whose son goes missing.
3. Saathiya (2002)
Don’t get fooled by the IMDB ratings of ‘Saathiya’ which is at a mediocre 6.9. It is as good as, if not better, than ‘Alaipayuthey’ of which it is a remake. The film is a take on new age relationships in all its glory, fad and shortcomings. It has a very colloquial and conversational tone thus lending a very realistic edge to the narrative and A.R. Rahman’s music is just the right ingredient for this breezy love story. Rani Mukerji dominates each and every frame she appears in and Vivek Oberoi displays the right amount of talent and youthful charm. Mani Ratnam is associated with both the films and his touch is evident in the best moments of the films.
2. Hera Pheri (2000)
There was a time when Priyadarshan was the first and last word in comedy in Bollywood. However he is more successful and respected in the South Indian film industry, his home base. Most of his Bollywood comedies are either remake of his own hits or of classic South Indian films. His 2000 comedy ‘Hera Pheri’ is considered a watershed moment in Indian cinema. Here was a comedy which is sensible and packs just the right punch at the right moments without forcing anyone to laugh with slapstick and mimicry tactics, which is so characteristic of Bollywood comedies. Inspired by the Malayalam cult comedy ‘Ramji Rao Speaking’ the film tells the story of the human spirit to survive against all odds and how much value money holds in one’s life, with a heavy dose of situational humour.
1. Sadma (1983)
This Kamal Haasan and Sridevi starrer is a movie for all ages. Every self-confessed Hindi movie fan has watched ‘Sadma’ multiple times. And who can forget the climax scene that leaves you teary eyed no matter how many times you watch it. ‘Sadma’ is a master class in filmmaking. Director Balu Mahendra knows how to capture the right emotions and to extract top-notch performances from his actors. Ilaiyaraaja’s music amplifies and highlights the hidden melancholy and the high spiritedness of the story. It’s no secret that ‘Sadma’ is a frame to frame remake of Balu Mahendra’s own classic ‘Moondram Pirai’ which released a year earlier in the Tamil speaking regions of the country. Trying to answer the question as to which one is the better film would be like choosing between ‘The Godfather Part 1’ and ‘The Godfather Part 2’. The only difference between the two is the language but anyone who truly understands the language of cinema won’t even dare making a comparison.
