Exploring the Phenomenon of 'Vikramarkudu' Remakes: From Telugu Thrills to Pan-Indian Popularity
The influence of successful films often extends beyond their original language and borders. One such film that has captured the attention of filmmakers across India is the Telugu blockbuster "Vikramarkudu," directed by S. S. Rajamouli. This action-packed entertainer has inspired multiple remakes in different languages, including Kannada, Tamil, Hindi, and even Bengali. In this article, we explore the trend of remaking "Vikramarkudu" and its impact on regional cinema.
The Telugu Original:
Released on June 23, 2006, "Vikramarkudu" quickly became a sensation in Telugu cinema. Directed by S. S. Rajamouli and starring Ravi Teja and Anushka Shetty, the film was praised for its gripping screenplay and engaging performances. It followed the story of a sincere cop who goes undercover to dismantle a criminal empire. With its adrenaline-pumping action sequences and clever plot twists, "Vikramarkudu" established itself as a box office success.
Ee Shathamaanada Veera Madakari (Kannada):
"Vikramarkudu" inspired the Kannada remake titled "Ee Shathamaanada Veera Madakari," directed by Sudeep and released on March 20, 2009. Sudeep, known for his versatility as an actor, played the lead role, and Ragini Dwivedi joined him as the female lead. The film retained the essence of the original while catering to the preferences of the Kannada audience. It received positive reviews and proved to be a commercial success.
Siruthai (Tamil):
The Tamil remake of "Vikramarkudu" arrived as "Siruthai," directed by Siva and starring Karthi and Tamannaah. Released on January 14, 2011, the film gained attention for its high-octane action and catchy songs. It showcased Karthi's ability to perform dual roles, one as an honest cop and the other as a cunning thief. "Siruthai" further solidified the reputation of "Vikramarkudu" as a story with universal appeal.
Rowdy Rathore (Hindi):
The Hindi remake of "Vikramarkudu" titled "Rowdy Rathore" featured Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha in the lead roles. Directed by Prabhu Deva and produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film released on June 1, 2012. "Rowdy Rathore" brought the mass appeal of "Vikramarkudu" to the Hindi-speaking audience and turned out to be a blockbuster, crossing the 200 crore mark at the box office.
Bikram Singha: The Lion Is Back (Bengali):
The impact of "Vikramarkudu" extended to the Bengali film industry with the release of "Bikram Singha: The Lion Is Back" on May 25, 2012. Starring Prosenjit Chatterjee and Richa Gangopadhyay, the film showcased the unique fusion of the original Telugu story with Bengali sensibilities. Despite facing challenges due to language barriers, it managed to create a buzz among Bengali film enthusiasts.
Ulta Palta 69 (Bengali):
Another Bengali adaptation of "Vikramarkudu" came in the form of "Ulta Palta 69," directed by Malek Afsary and released in 2007. This film starred Manna, Purnima,
Reviewed by Nilesh dabhi
on
June 25, 2023
Rating: