Bollywood makes way too many remakes of South Indian or Hollywood movies. Seriously, if there were a Guinness World Record for “most recycled plots,” we’d probably have it already. The criticism isn’t new—people have often accused Bollywood of plagiarism, scene-stealing, or straight-up Ctrl+C/Ctrl+V from Hollywood. But here’s the spicy truth: Bollywood has churned out some absolutely original masterpieces. Some of these films were so good, they got remade by Hollywood and South industries themselves. Yup, the tables turned.
There are brilliant minds in the industry who’ve dared to dream something new and pulled it off with passion and guts. So, before we cancel Bollywood, let’s give credit where it’s due. Here are some of Bollywood’s finest, 100% original, homegrown hits that prove when we stop copying, we can start creating gold.
Toilet: Ek Prem Katha – Romance Meets Sanitation
Who would’ve thought a love story could revolve around the need for a toilet? Inspired by real events, this Akshay Kumar starrer flushed away all doubts about socially relevant storytelling and brought sanitation to the big screen with humour and heart. A weird combo? Yes. Did it work? Absolutely.
Pink – No Means No, Period.
“Are you listening, or just hearing?” Pink slapped the patriarchy right across the face with its powerful courtroom drama. No remakes here—just razor-sharp writing, phenomenal acting, and a message that echoed loud and clear. This one was original and unapologetically bold.
A Wednesday – A Thriller That Gave Everyone Goosebumps
Before Liam Neeson was hunting people down in “Taken,” Bollywood gave us A Wednesday, where a common man played by Naseeruddin Shah outsmarts the entire system. Tight script, gripping pace, and a twist that still lives rent-free in our minds.
Kahaani – A Pregnant Woman, a Missing Husband, and a Whole Lot of Twists
Vidya Balan didn’t just carry Kahaani—she dragged us through a suspenseful rabbit hole that felt fresh, raw, and thoroughly original. This film proved that you don’t need a hero on steroids to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Pad Man – Bleeding Honesty
Based on a real-life hero but not copied from any screenplay, Pad Man tackled menstrual hygiene with the kind of dignity and sensitivity we rarely see in mainstream cinema. It was bold, funny, and thought-provoking—and totally ours.
Hindi Medium – Class Divide with a Side of Sarcasm
This one took the education system, slapped some satire on it, and served it hot. Irrfan Khan’s brilliance carried this fresh narrative about how far people will go to get their kids into the “right” school. It’s original, it’s hilarious, and it makes you think.
Newton – Bureaucracy Meets Jungle Logic
What happens when you try to conduct fair elections in a war zone? You get Newton. Rajkummar Rao delivers a stellar performance in this indie gem that didn’t need high-octane action or melodrama to make a statement. Unconventional and unforgettable.
Secret Superstar – A Teen with Dreams and a Veil
Before “K-pop trainee” stories took over the globe, Bollywood gave us Secret Superstar, where a Muslim girl secretly uploads her singing videos on YouTube. With a solid script and a soulful heart, this one felt like a love letter to ambition and mothers alike.
Dangal – Wrestlers, Not WrestleMania
Sure, it’s based on real people, but Dangal was a homegrown tale through and through. No remakes, no inspirations, just pure storytelling power. It broke records, stereotypes, and a whole lot of bones (in the ring).
Nil Battey Sannata – School, Struggles, and Single Moms
This underdog film about a maid who joins school to inspire her daughter is equal parts charming and heartwarming. You won’t find a foreign copy of this, because stories this honest can’t be borrowed—they’re lived.
Dear Zindagi – Life, Therapy, and Shah Rukh Khan in a Beach Chair
A film that normalized therapy before it became Instagram-trendy, Dear Zindagi offered deep introspection disguised as a light-hearted drama. It’s original, modern, and just the hug your soul needs.
Airlift – When Bollywood Got Real About Patriotism
Before nationalism became the go-to theme, Airlift told the true tale of India’s biggest civilian evacuation. No melodrama, no chest-thumping—just a sharp, clean, well-made rescue thriller.
Talvar – A Murder Mystery That Haunts You
Based on the Aarushi Talwar case but approached with fresh storytelling and Rashomon-style multiple perspectives, Talvar is a rare example of Bollywood using reality without distorting it. Hard-hitting and painfully real.
Tumbbad – Horror, Folklore, and One Hell of a Cinematic Experience
This one’s not just a movie, it’s an atmosphere. Tumbbad brought Indian mythology and folklore to life with a level of craftsmanship that had even horror snobs clapping. A slow-burn tale about greed, curses, and an ancient god, this film proved Bollywood can do horror without cheap jump scares and screaming girls in white sarees. Visually haunting, deeply symbolic, and 100% original—Tumbbad is in a league of its own.
Also Read: From Devdas to Raazi, 10 Bollywood Movies That Brought Books to Life
Originality Isn’t Dead—It’s Just Overlooked
These are just a few examples from a much longer list. So, next time someone says Bollywood only copies, maybe hand them this article and ask them to take a seat. Because when Bollywood decides to be original, it doesn’t just compete—it leads. All we need is more filmmakers to take the road less plagiarized.
Want more original Bollywood gems? I’ve got a playlist ready—just say the word.
Also Read: Flopped but Fabulous: 10 Bollywood Movies for a Meaningful Weekend Watch
