Telugu cinema has delighted audiences with both larger-than-life and relatable films. However, it has also sometimes directly copied hit Hollywood movies, creating mostly unofficial remakes. Some of these might surprise you, as you may have watched them without realizing their Hollywood origins. Check out this list of 10 Telugu movies that were inspired by Hollywood, and let us know which ones caught you off guard!
Also Read: 6 Best Telugu Movies Of 2023 On Netflix You Should Watch
1. Telugu movie: Thotti gang
Hollywood inspiration: Saving Silverman
A light-hearted comedy romance film that is the exact copy of the Hollywood film- Saving Silverman. This hilarious film is about a man who is soon going to get hitched. However, his friends are not so happy about his marriage- and they know that the woman is definitely a ‘wrong choice’ for him. So, they decide to take things into their own hands and devise ways to stop him from marrying.
2. Telugu movie: Mrugaraaju
Hollywood inspiration: The Ghost And The Darkness
Mrugaraju is an action thriller that is very similar to the Hollywood film- The Ghost And The Darkness. The movie is about a set of people facing terrifying incidents with lions who are creating terror among people and killing whoever wanders into the forest. Both films will give you the same terrifying action sequences and give you nightmares about your next jungle trip!
3. Tamil movie: Indhumathi
Hollywood inspiration: Psycho
A horror thriller movie that will give you a lot of psychological shocks with how the story moves forward. The film is about a young woman who steals money from his employer and runs away with her boyfriend. She decides to stay in a motel with her boyfriend- the motel is run by a young man and his mother. She didn’t know that all these events would lead her to not a free life- instead towards a dark path filled with misfortunes.
4. Telugu movie: Criminal
Hollywood inspiration: The Fugitive
This is an action crime thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat! The film is about a man who is wrongly accused of her wife’s murder and somehow escapes from jail- he has to now find out the real culprit, the reason, and also find proof of his innocence before he is caught again and put in jail. This film is copied from the 1993 hit Hollywood film- The Fugitive.
5. Telugu movie: Endukante premanta
Hollywood inspiration: Just Like Heaven
A rom-com fantasy drama film that is copied from the 2005 Hollywood movie named ‘Just Like Heaven’ which starred Mark Ruffalo and Reese Witherspoon in lead roles. Except for the locations, the change of occupations, and a few minor changes- the rest of the story is the same. It is about the female lead’s spirit roaming the world only to find that only one person can see her- the male lead, of course! And, now he has to help her regain consciousness before she is lifted off her life-support system and she is officially declared dead.
6. Telugu movie: Kavya’s Diary
Hollywood inspiration: The Hand That Rocks The Cradle
Another eerie horror mystery movie is based on the 1992 Hollywood horror flick- the film is about a couple who move into a new house and hire a nanny for their kid. But, when the new nanny comes to know that the woman she is working for was the reason for her husband’s suicide- she decides already to take revenge. Well, both the movies are the same and have the same air of mystery and horror to keep you hooked till the end.
7. Telugu movie: Mangala
Hollywood inspiration: Drag Me To Hell
A horror mystery film- while Mangala is about a film actress whose ardent fan commits suicide and then his father casts a spell on the actress, the Hollywood film is about an insurance agent who was cursed by an old lady whose loan wasn’t action. Apart from these slight changes- the rest of the horror, mystery, and thrilling scenes remain similar.
8. Telugu movie: Mosagallaku Mosagadu
Hollywood inspiration: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
An adventure thriller film inspired by the cult classic American movie that was released in 1966- The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. This film is about a group of outlaws who have banded together to go on a gold treasure hunt, and the dangers are lurking on their way. Their adventures, risks, action sequences- everything will keep you intrigued and you will wish them success in their treasure hunt mission.
9. Telugu movie: Oopiri
Hollywood inspiration: Intouchables
A feel-good comedy-drama film that is a copy of the 2011 superhit Hollywood film ‘Intouchables’. The film is about a rich paraplegic man who lives alone and needs a caretaker- he ends up hiring a man with a criminal record. Together, they create a strong bond and help overcome the struggles of their lives. A great movie that motivates you to live life fully- no matter what!
10. Telugu movie: Stalin
Hollywood inspiration: Pay It Forward
This movie is about a man named Stalin who is deeply affected by the suicide of a young disabled girl. He decides to help people in need- in return- they too carry forward this good deed by helping more people in need. And, that is how everyone keeps spreading kindness. The movie is heavily inspired by the Hollywood film -Pay It Forward released in the year 2000.
Many popular Telugu movies have been inspired by Hollywood films, and we often didn’t realize it!