THE KOREAN CONNECTION
As Korean movies inspire new Hindi films such as Salman Khan’s next and RajDK’s upcoming film, we take a look at what’s making Bollywood filmmakers turn to Korea
For years, Bollywood has supposedly been fascinated by its western counterpart, Hollywood. But now, B-Town’s filmmakers seem to have turned their gaze towards South Korean cinema for fresh inspiration.
AFFORDABLE & ADAPTABLE
To start with, Salman Khanstarrer Bharat — to be directed by Ali Abbas Zafar — will be the official adaptation of the 2014 Korean hit, Ode To My Father. Salman has booked the Eid weekend of 2019 to release the film.
HT Café has also learnt that director duo Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK’s next project will be the official Hindi remake of the Korean blockbuster, A Hard Day (2014). Plus, director Umesh Shukla, of OMG – Oh My God (2012) fame, has been roped in to direct the Hindi remake of the 2013 Korean blockbuster, Miracle in Cell No. 7.
So what is it about Korean films that captivate Indian producers and directors? Film-maker Sanjay Gupta says, “There is a reason why Korean films’ stories resonate with Indian audiences in big way: they are high on the emotional quotient, and plus, they have conflict. That’s what we — as Indian film-makers — also look for. In a nutshell, Korean films are way more accessible, affordable and adaptable [than Hollywood films].”
SIMILAR CULTURES
Gupta should have a clear idea of why Korean films are so appealing, as his 2015 film, Jazbaa (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s comeback vehicle) was the official adaptation of the 2007 South Korean film, Seven Days. Last year’s Amitabh Bachchan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui-starrer, Te3n, was also a remake of the 2013 South Korean film, Montage.
“I see many similarities between the cultures of India and Korea, and I think that is why many Korean films resonate so well with Indian film-makers. But not all Korean stories are “universal enough” to be remade in India, so I guess the ratio is one out of ten,” explains Thomas Kim, CEO of Kross Pictures, which has been involved in Korean to Hindi adaptations such as Te3n, Miracle in Cell No 7, and now, A Hard Day.
Experts, however, feel it’s all about entertainment. “Regardless of whether we pick up stories from Korea or Hollywood, the biggest question for every film-maker is: Can it be adapted well and as per Indian people’s sensibilities? That’s where the biggest trick lies,” says trade analyst Taran Adarsh.
In the recent past, Bollywood seems to have had a good equation with Korean films. Last year’s John Abraham-starrer Rocky Handsome was an official remake of the action classic from Korea, The Man From Nowhere (2010). Also, the Randeep Hooda-starrer Do Lafzon Ki Kahani (2016) was a remake of the 2011 Korean film, Always.
EMOTIONAL TALES
“The perception that Korean films are only high on action isn’t true at all. They are adept at highly-stylised emotional stories too. Generally, emotions in Hollywood are on a superficial level but in Korean films, they are very strong. And, since Bollywood films are known for their heavy emotions, Korean films become a perfect fit,” says film-maker Sanjay Gupta. It’s interesting to note that besides the official Hindi avatars, a number of other Korean films have also inspired many film-makers. The Sidharth Malhotra-Shraddha Kapoor starrer Ek Villain (2014) reportedly took it’s idea from I Saw the Devil (2010), while A Bittersweet Life (2005) apparently inspired Emraan Hashmi’s 2007 film, Awarapan.
EASIER TO GET
“Like always, Indian audiences are only looking for quality entertainment. For years, we have been fascinated with Hollywood films, so it’s good if we are looking elsewhere for some new inspirations. But, if these films aren’t adapted or made well, there’s no question of them doing well,” says trade expert Taran Adarsh.
Other Hindi films that have been reportedly ‘inspired’ by Korean films are Murder 2 (believed to be a Hindi avatar of The Chaser; 2008) and Ugly Aur Pagli, which is said to be based on My Sassy Girl (2001).
Gupta feels it’s “a bit easier to take up Korean films” as compared to Hollywood. “Technically speaking, since almost all the Hollywood studios have their presence in India, they hardly sell their films’ remake rights nowadays. But Korean films are easier to get,” says the Kaabil director.