10 Malayalam Movies That Are Copied from Hollywood
Malayalam cinema creates true masterpieces—movies with relatable characters, fresh storylines, and heartfelt craftsmanship. No wonder we love Malayalam films! However, like any other Indian cinema industry, this one has also drawn inspiration from Hollywood movies over the years. While the number of such remakes has decreased, we still marvel at these unofficial adaptations. If you haven’t seen them or didn’t realize they were inspired by Hollywood, we’ve got a list for you! Check out these 10 Malayalam movies that were copied from Hollywood.
Also Read: Best Malayalam Movies Of 2023 On Netflix To Watch On Weekend
1. Malayalam movie: Malootty
Hollywood inspiration: Everybody’s Baby: The Rescue of Jessica McClure
An emotional drama film about a young girl who falls into a water-filled well that creates a nationwide spark and people from all walks of life come together to help get the girl out before it’s too late. The movie is copied from a Hollywood movie that was released in 1989 and has shown pretty much the same scenes, and storylines.
2. Malayalam movie: Boeing Boeing
Hollywood inspiration: Boeing Boeing
This movie released in 1985, is inspired by the 60s hit comedy movie of the same name. The movie is about a man successfully able to date three air hostesses with the help of his friend. But, what looks like smooth work becomes more and more tedious and complex as time passes on. If you can relate to the storyline- yes! This movie also had another unofficial Bollywood remake with the name ‘Garam Masala that starred Akshay Kumar in the lead role.
3. Malayalam movie: Alexander The Great
Hollywood inspiration: Rain Man
Starring Mohanlal in the lead role of Alexander Verma- this movie is a copy of the 1988 thriller drama film that starred Dustin Hoffman, and Tom Cruise in prominent roles. The film is about a man who writes his will in the name of his illegitimate son named Alexander- all of it. Whereas, his legitimate son and other family members are left with nothing. So, they all conspire to kill the other son and get a hold of all his property.
4. Malayalam movie: Buddy
Hollywood inspiration: The Kids Are All Right
A family drama film that is copied from the 2010 Hollywood film which is about a young boy named Vishnu who was born through artificial insemination and has two dotting mothers who take care of hIM. However, he is still curious about his biological father, so he goes on a mission to find out about his real father and get acquainted with him. Apart from a few minor changes- most of the storyline is the same in this 2013 Malayalam movie.
5. Malayalam movie: James Bond
Hollywood Inspiration: Baby’s Day Out
Yup, it is an adventure, comedy, crime movie that a majority of you must’ve watched- that’s how much this cute and funny Hollywood movie was- Baby’s Day Out. And, Malayalam cinema also made an Indian version of it that was named- wait for it- James Bond! Apart from the change of title- the rest of the story is pretty much the same- three thieves who are out on a mission to extort money from a rich family by kidnapping their child. So, when they do kidnap such a child- the child gives them a taste of their own medicine by troubling them more than they can handle.
6. Malayalam movie: Chandralekha
Hollywood inspiration: While You Were Sleeping
A rom-com drama that is filled with so many hilarious scenes and dialogues throughout. The movie is a copy of the superhit Hollywood movie named ‘While You Were Sleeping’. It is about a hopeless romantic but a jobless man who crosses paths with an injured rich woman to the hospital where her family mistakes him for her husband- and from there, a long list of amusing events starts to happen.
7. Malayalam movie: My Boss
Hollywood Inspiration: The Proposal
‘The Proposal’ is a rom-com drama film that many of you must’ve watched. A well-known Hollywood movie that starred some big names like Ryan Reynolds, and Sandra Bullock- it has got everything that is likable! A 2012 film named Mayookham was a copy of this superhit 2009 film which is about a strong and dominant boss- who asks her young assistant to pose as her fiance for her own reasons. While the reasons are changed ( one seeks a fake marriage to get a US visa, while the other is rooting for her promotion), the rest of the movie is more or less the same.
8. Malayalam movie: Mayookham
Hollywood Inspiration: A Walk To Remember
A tragic romance film about two childhood friends who reunite after many years. However, the girl gets a surprise when she meets her old friend Indira- who is now a rebel. They both start spending a lot of time together and Unni motivates Indira a lot to improve his life. But, fate has already decided what happens to them- and when Indira comes to know that Unni is dealing with a terminal illness and has only a few days left- his world gets shaken up. A movie that gives you hope, butterflies in your stomach, and many tears as well. It is a heartbreaking movie but one that will give you some hope when it comes to unconditional love.
9. Malayalam movie: Nee Ko Njaa Cha
Hollywood inspiration: Forgetting Sarah Marshall
A rom-com drama movie that is the exact copy of a famous Hollywood film that goes by the name- Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Watched this Hollywood film? Well, do watch it! And, also watch its Malayalam version. The movie’s story is about a man who goes on giving his heart to many women. So, when he has a real heartbreak- he decides to take a boy’s trip to Goa. Not knowing, that his ex is also going on a trip there! The movie is a light-hearted rom-com that won’t disappoint you if you are looking for pure entertainment.
10. Malayalam movie: Big B
Hollywood inspiration: Four Brothers
A sizzling action crime thriller film that is about four brothers who are cared for by their foster mother and have a deep connection with her. So, when she is murdered by a killer on the loose- they can’t just sit back and decide to hunt down the killer and take revenge for her. This copy of the 2005 Hollywood movie named ‘Four Brothers features Mammootty in the lead role.
Here are 10 Malayalam movies that took inspiration from Hollywood hits, offering unique local twists on popular international films