Eight Sandalwood films that have been remade in other languages

Indian films in various languages are known to be influenced and ‘inspired’ by movies from not just Indian languages but also foreign ones. But down south, Sandalwood has had its share of being the one to inspire remakes. Both old and new films have prompted versions of these Kannada films in other languages, including south Indian ones. Here’s a snapshot of some films remade into other languages:

Rathavara (2015)

Rathaavara is an action thriller which chronicles a family feud, featuring Sri Murali and Rachita Ram in lead roles. The film is slated for a Tamil remake, for which writer and director of the Kannada original, Chandrashekhar Bandiyappa is likely to be retained. Reportedly starring Tamil actor Vishal, Rathavara is also set to be dubbed in Telugu.

Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari (2014)

Kannada romantic drama, Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari, written and directed by Santosh Ananddram, was well received byaudiences. Starring Yash and Radhika Pandit, the story revolves around two youngsters. A wayward Ramachari, idolizes the character portrayed by actor Vishnuvardhan in the 1972 hit, Nagarahavu and his sophisticated lady love, Divya. In the course of their relationship, Divya questions his lack of purpose and organization in life. They part on a sour note, only to reconcile later. The film was remade in Marathi as Mr. and Mrs. Sadachari starring Vaibbhav Tatwawdi and Prarthana Behere.

Lucia (2013)

One of the most widely acclaimed Kannada films in contemporary times, the Film Federation of India shortlisted this classic as its entry for the Academy Awards in 2013. Lucia is a layered, narrative drama directed by Pawan Kumar. Critically acclaimed for its non-linear plot, the film was remade in Tamil as “Enakkul Oruvan”.

Starring Sathish Ninasam and Sruthi Hariharan, Lucia revolves around an insomniac who is tricked into buying a drug, which blurs the fine line between reality and fiction. The rights for remaking the film in Hindi were acquired by Fox Star Studios.

Jogi (2005)

Starring Shivrajkumar and Jennifer Kotwal, the film was especially loved for its music. It follows the life of village woman looking for her son who has landed in bad company in the city. 

It was remade in Telugu as Yogi and in Tamil as Parattai Engira Azhagu.

Chakravyuha (1983)

Directed by V Somasekhar, the film featuring Ambareesh and Ambika was pivotal in catapulting Ambareesh to fame, earning him the title Rebel Star. The plot revolves around the life of a policeman reduced into a pawn in the master games of politicians around him. The film was remade into Hindi as Inquilaab, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Sridevi.

Antha (1981)

Starring Ambareesh and Lakshmi in titular roles, Antha revolves around an earnest police officer who battles against corruption in society. The film is also known to have drawn flak from the censor board for its extreme violent content. Directed by SV Rajendra Singh, the film was remade in Hindi and Telugu as Meri Aawaz Suno and Antham Kadidi Aarambam, respectively. 

Kokila (1977)

Balu Mahendra, formerly a cinematographer for south Indian films, made his directorial debut with this film. The movie stars Kamal Hassan, Shoba (Kokila) along with Roja Ramani and Mohan.

Kokila laid its claim to fame when it won National Film Award for Best Cinematography and Karnataka State Film Award for Best Screenplay. It was the first Kannada-language film to run in Madras (as Chennai was then known) for 100 days.

Vijayakumar, played by Kamal Hassan, has an affair with a domestic help at his fiance's house. It was remade into Malayalam as Oomakkuyil and in Hindi as Aur Ek Prem Kahani both by the same director.

Gejje Puje (1969)

Directed by Puttana Kanagal SR, the film saw actors Gangadhar, Kalpana and Leelavathi in the lead. The film revolves around a mock marriage, and describes the social status of prostitutes in Karnataka. The film went on to receive the National Award in the Kannada Film category as well as the Best Screenplay award.

The film was remade into Telugu as “Kalyana Mandapam”, starring Sobhan Babu and Kanchana. It was also remade in Hindi as “Ahista Ahista” in 1981, featuring Shammi Kapoor, Shashikala and Padmini Kolhapure.