With as many as six sequels and two remakes releasing in the last six months, and over 20 such projects in the making, it seems Bollywood is running out of original stories.
With films such as Race 2, Murder 3, Aashiqui 2, Shootout at Wadala and Chashme Baddoor having done above average business this year, fans will now get to see the sequels to Dostana, Tanu Weds Manu, and Ghayal and remakes of Khubsoorat, Dil Hai Ki Maanta Nahi, Masoom and Hero in the months to come.
Experts attribute the rise in the number of remakes and sequels to the lack of original scripts. “Gone are the times of great writers like Salim (Khan) and Javed (Akhtar). There is now a dearth of good writers in the industry. Most films today are copied,” says trade analyst Vikas Mohan. He adds that although talented storytellers do exist, not many want to take risks anymore. “Making a sequel involves less risk and assures good business. The makers opt for it because they know the audience is already connected with the story,” Mohan says.
“Yes, the industry is running out of original ideas. The commercial model of filmmaking is to revamp a story .... The aim is to make profit,” actor Ali Zafar, who starred in the recent remake of Chashme Baddoor (1981), was quoted as saying.
{{/usCountry}}“Yes, the industry is running out of original ideas. The commercial model of filmmaking is to revamp a story .... The aim is to make profit,” actor Ali Zafar, who starred in the recent remake of Chashme Baddoor (1981), was quoted as saying.
{{/usCountry}}However, filmmaker Apoorva Lakhia, who is remaking the 1973 cult classic Zanjeer, says, “Sequels and remakes are happening world over. What’s wrong if a script has moved you and you want to retell the story your way? Plus, there is lot of pressure on the director because he knows his remake will be compared with the original.”