Why are Indian filmmakers hell bent on ruining classics?

Indian films and filmmakers, in the last decade or so, have been at the receiving end of criticism over a lot of things. Sometimes, you get the feeling that it is totally justified and the Hindi film industry is asking for it. Recently, a new trend has emerged which involves rehashing and remixing old classics in new films and giving it a new twist!

‘Raees’, ‘Dear Zindagi’, ‘Baaghi 2’, ‘Kaabil’, ‘Judwaa 2’, ‘Simmba’, ‘Total Dhamaal’, ‘Luka Chuppi’, ‘Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga’, ‘Fraud Saiyaan’ – these films have been using the songs like ‘Laila mein Laila’, ‘Aankh Marey’, ‘Chamma Chamma’ and giving it a new version. The main problem with this trend is that it shows the filmmaker’s lack of originality and creativity.

Sunny Leone is at her sizzling and sensual best in the rehashed version of ‘Laila Mein Lela’.

The recent example of ‘Poster Lagwa Do’ song from ‘Luka Chuppi’ and ‘Mungda’ song from ‘Total Dhamaal’ have come under heavy attack from the critics, but also from the filmmakers and singers. There was a great uproar last year over Jacqueline Fernandez’s version of ‘Ek Do Teen’ song. Many people felt that it totally disrespected and made a mockery of Madhuri Dixit’s original chartbuster.

Veteran lyricist and Javed Akhtar has called Sonakshi Sinha’s song ‘Mungda’ disgusting and Usha Mangeshkar, who had sung the original version has also lambasted Indra Kumar (director of ‘Total Dhamaal’) and his team. So, why is Bollywood is serving the same old songs (like old wine in a new bottle) and giving it a new version in their films? Have directors, musicians, lyricists become so lazy and poor that they can’t even think of something original?

Sonakshi Sinha’s ‘Mungda’ song from ‘Total Dhamaal’ has been blasted by many experts and thinkers from the film fraternity.

The makers and producers of the above mentioned films will say that they have bought the title rights from the music label company and it is their prerogative how they want to utilise it for their projects.

Bollywood films has a distinct advantage over films from other countries. Songs in Hindi films form the heart and soul of the film. Over the years, Hindi films had some of the best melodies. Sometimes, despite average story and screenplay, the film works because of music and songs.

Indian films are known for its music, culture and it is a very rich and proud legacy that we have been following for the past 100 years. If India really wants to win Oscars then please for heaven’s sake, create something original and fresh.

The new trend of remixing and rehashing old songs, making glorified biopics, historical and periodical dramas (adding fiction in the name of cinematic liberty), remakes of South Indian films shows the apathy and tardiness of Bollywood’s filmmakers.

It is high time they stop taking inspiration from old songs and other things and get down to the business of slogging it out and making something from scratch. Yes, it will take time, energy and resources, but the end product will be a breath of fresh air and it really can be called a true original.

Also Read: Are female filmmakers getting a raw deal in Bollywood?

Dhaval Mehta

I am crazy and obsessed with politics, sports and entertainment. A journalist, who is not afraid to give his opinion and believes in calling spade a spade. I like to think on my feet and come up with original, fresh and out of the box ideas.
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