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Haiwaan to Mili: Hindi remakes of Malayalam films that never deserved to be made

Updated On: 11 September, 2026 10:41 PM IST | Amarylisa Gonsalves

Malayalam cinema and films have often serves as inspiration to Bollywood filmmakers. Over the years, several Malayalam blockbusters have been remade in Hindi cinema, and failed to recreate the magic of their originals at the box office or with critics. As Priyadarshan's latest offering, Haiwaan, draws comparisons with its Malayalam counterpart, Oppam, here's a list of Hindi films inspired by Malayalam originals that failed to impress.

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01
Hindi remakes of Malayalam films. Pics via IMDb, X, Instagram
Hindi remakes of Malayalam films. Pics via IMDb, X, Instagram
02
Critics felt Mili (2022), starring Janhvi Kapoor, lacked the claustrophobic dread and organic tension of Anna Ben's Helen (2019). It flopped heavily at the box office.
Critics felt Mili (2022), starring Janhvi Kapoor, lacked the claustrophobic dread and organic tension of Anna Ben's Helen (2019). It flopped heavily at the box office.
03
Haiwaa, directed by Priyadarshan, is the remake of Mohanlal's Oppam. The film is facing criticism and comparisons compared to the Malayalam classic.
Haiwaa, directed by Priyadarshan, is the remake of Mohanlal's Oppam. The film is facing criticism and comparisons compared to the Malayalam classic.
04
Shahid Kapoor's 2023's Deva was inspired by 2015's Mumbai Police starring Prithviraj Sukumaran. It failed to recreate the raw, gripping tension of the original, as it faced box office failure.
Shahid Kapoor's 2023's Deva was inspired by 2015's Mumbai Police starring Prithviraj Sukumaran. It failed to recreate the raw, gripping tension of the original, as it faced box office failure.
05
Traffic (2016) was a remake of the acclaimed 2011 Malayalam film of the same name. Despite positive reviews, it failed to draw crowds in theaters and turning into a commercial failure.
Traffic (2016) was a remake of the acclaimed 2011 Malayalam film of the same name. Despite positive reviews, it failed to draw crowds in theaters and turning into a commercial failure. 
06
While Pokkiri Raja starring Mammootty and Prithviraj was remade in Hindi with Akshay Kumar as Boss. The latter failed to capture the organic charisma of Mammootty and ultimately ended up as a box office disappointment.
While Pokkiri Raja starring Mammootty and Prithviraj was remade in Hindi with Akshay Kumar as Boss. The latter failed to capture the organic charisma of Mammootty and ultimately ended up as a box office disappointment. 
07
Muskurahat (1992), directed by Priyadarshan, this was a Hindi remake of the legendary Malayalam musical romantic comedy Kilukkam. The film largely vanished.
Muskurahat (1992), directed by Priyadarshan, this was a Hindi remake of the legendary Malayalam musical romantic comedy Kilukkam. The film largely vanished.
08
Directed by Priyadarshan and starring Irrfan Khan with Shah Rukh Khan, Billu (2009) was adapted from the acclaimed Malayalam movie Katha Parayumbol. It failed commercially compared to expectations.
Directed by Priyadarshan and starring Irrfan Khan with Shah Rukh Khan, Billu (2009) was adapted from the acclaimed Malayalam movie Katha Parayumbol. It failed commercially compared to expectations.
09
Directed by Priyadarshan, Vellanakalude Nadu starring Mohanlal is a cult classic. But when Priyadarshan cast Akshay Kumar in Khatta Meetha in 2010 resulting in underwhelming box office performance.
Directed by Priyadarshan, Vellanakalude Nadu starring Mohanlal is a cult classic. But when Priyadarshan cast Akshay Kumar in Khatta Meetha in 2010 resulting in underwhelming box office performance.
10
The Great Indian Kitchen (2021) was a masterful one, but the Hindi adaptation starring Sanya Malhotra was criticised by film buffs as a heartless comparison.
The Great Indian Kitchen (2021) was a masterful one, but the Hindi adaptation starring Sanya Malhotra was criticised by film buffs as a heartless comparison.
11
Selfiee (2016) starring Akshay Kumar and Emraan Hashmi was an official remake of the Malayalam hit Driving Licence starring Prithviraj Sukumaran. Selfiee struggled at the box office and failed to connect with the audiences.
Selfiee (2016) starring Akshay Kumar and Emraan Hashmi was an official remake of the Malayalam hit Driving Licence starring Prithviraj Sukumaran. Selfiee struggled at the box office and failed to connect with the audiences.

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