We talk about cult classics of Bollywood which should be remade but only by competent film-makers with suitable star-cast. These movies should be shown to today’s generation for their superior content value.
Remaking cult classics- Is it a valid thought or a strict no-no?
This debate has been going on for a few years now in our beloved Bollywood. Everyone has their own point of view about re-touching some of the gems of Indian cinema. It is not a bad idea actually, but some film-makers did abuse the freedom given to them. Yes, we are talking about Ram Gopal Verma for screwing up Sholay or Himeshh Reshammiya trying his luck with Karz! Not to forget J. P. Dutta’s version of Umrao Jaan or David Dhawan’s tampering with Chashme Baddoor! However, a few directors did a good job as well, like Farhan Akhtar’s remake of Don and Dharma Production’s remake of Agneepath.
What if some of the classics are made with sensible directors and the new age actors? With the right film-maker and competent actors, we think today’s generation should be given a taste of movies, the likes of which aren’t being made these days.
Let’s have a look at some of those timeless flicks that can entertain people generation after generation!
Mera Naam Joker
Legendary Raj Kapoor made this beautiful movie, but it was a big flop of its time! It’s only after years of his death that it is considered to be a path-breaking cinema. How about remaking it for today’s audiences with Ranbir Kapoor playing his grandfather’s role opposite beautiful Deepika Padukone! For the young Rishi Kapoor’s role in the movie, we think Shahrukh Khan’s son, Aryan Khan will fit the bill! A perfect debut for him! Oh yes, such a heart-touching saga can only be handled by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. This does have the potential to create some new box-office records!
Pakeezah
This musical extravaganza with superlative performances by tragedy queen Meena Kumari and the original style icon, Raj Kumar has to be shown to today’s generation for a lesson in Indian Tehzeeb and culture! To make a movie on such a large scale with astute musical sensibility, only one name comes to mind who can do justice to it- Sanjay Leela Bhansali! Given today’s actresses’ caliber, how about Kangna Ranaut trying to play Meena Kumari’s role? Raj Kumar’s role can be essayed by the maverick actor of our times, Manoj Bajpayee. This fresh combination of actors and director can surely create some breath-taking magic on silver-screen!
Lamhe
Late Yash Chopra made this movie with all his heart and soul, but it was considered too ahead of its time. It never worked at that time, but audiences have matured a lot now. This seems to be the right time to dish out a concept like this re-made by none other than Aditya Chopra! As far as Anil Kapoor’s role is concerned, the only actor who can do justice seems to be Shahid Kapoor! With and without moustache, he can ably play a youngster and then a mature character with ease! It is not easy to step into Sridevi’s shoes, but Parineeti Chopra can come close given her spunk and vibrant persona! This can be a real treat!!
Guide
Evergreen Dev Anand made this epic movie with his brother Vijay Anand and since then, it is considered to be one of the finest movies India has ever produced! At the time of its release, it was too scandalistic for it’s depiction of Indian woman in a modern avatar, unheard of during those times. If it can be remade today, only someone like Imtiaz Ali has the sensibilities to touch upon a subject like this. Again, to fill in big shoes of Dev Anand, who better than the most versatile actor of our generation- Ranbir Kapoor! Waheeda Rehman’s role requires not just brilliant acting abilities but great dancing skills too. How about Shraddha Kapoor?
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro
There is a dearth of good funny satirical movies these days hence it becomes an absolute must to re-create a gem like this. However, the actors in the original flick have done such a memorable and commendable job, that to find the actors for remake can be a herculean task. Still, we do have some ideas! For Naseeruddin Shah’s role, Farhan Akhtar will be the best choice. This also gives Farhan a chance to prove Naseer wrong. Naseer had recently said that Farhan isn’t a great actor after watching Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. This might make Naseer eat his own words! For Ravi Baswani’s character, Riteish Deshmukh will be apt! His comic timing can be like an icing on the cake. As far as the director is concerned, this sensitive yet funny and crazy subject can only be handled by someone who knows the heart and soul of his audience- Rajkumar Hirani!
Can you guys imagine these movies made in today’s times with new faces? It just might revolutionize the industry in terms of content and performances. Who knows, the golden era of sensible Hindi cinema might just return with these remakes! Amen!!
