Page 16 - Masala Lite Issue 167 November 2024

16 TRENDING NOW
M VIE Community members give their reel takes

on which classic desi movies they’d like to

see more of.
MAKE-OVER BY AMORNRAT SIDHU

t’s sequel season – and not just to any old movies, but sequels to some of the
most beloved classic films of all time. Did you know that they’ve announced
sequels to The Devil Wears Prada (2006), The Princess Diaries (2001) Freaky
Friday (2003) and Gladiator (2000)? Even the iconic Beetlejuice (1988) film, almost
four decades on, has just had a successful sequel come out in cinemas. We love
some productions so much that we demand extensions of the storyline. And
in true gluttonous fashion, why settle for just sequels when we can extract the
juice from the original storyline or characters in other ways? Sometimes, we
crave a remake of a classic, like the series 90210 (2008-2013) which was based
on the original Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-2000); or we need a good ol’ spin-off
like Wednesday (2022- ) based on the long-running concept and classic film, The
Addams Family (1991) which itself was based on the TV series of the same name.

We asked these Thai-Indian movie buffs which films or series they’d like to see
more of, or again, if they had the full freedom to dictate the desi movie scene.

TINA KHANIJOU
Owner and Jewellery Designer, Navara Jewelry
Model, Actress, and Influencer

Are there any beloved Bollywood films that you’d love to see a sequel to, even
years later? If so, why?

Reviving classic Bollywood films or series offers a unique opportunity to blend
nostalgia with contemporary issues, creating stories that resonate with both older
and younger audiences and attracting both generations of audience. The sequel could
be modernised but still keep to the same storyline and setting, while bringing fresh
perspectives to these much-beloved movies. While some classics ended perfectly,
new themes could be developed to create a sequel.

In my opinion, I would be excited to see sequels for two movies: Kabhi Khushi Kabhie
Gham (2001), fondly known as K3G, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998). With K3G, a
follow-up could delve into the next generation of the Raichand family, exploring
how family values have evolved in contemporary society. With Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,
a sequel could focus on the children of Rahul, Tina, and Anjali, dealing with their own

NAINA SINGH love stories, friendships, and the challenges of growing up in today’s world.

Product Manager (Banking) Many viewers have a strong emotional connection to these films, and reviving them
taps into that nostalgia, attracting both original fans and a new audience.

What classic Indian movie would you like to see remade, and why? In your opinion, what topics or themes should these sequels tap into, in order

for them to appeal to a modern audience?
As a fan of psychological thrillers, a movie I would love to see remade is Baazigar
(1993). A remake would work because themes such as deception, revenge, and the These movies resonate with Indian families because they talk about common societal
motives of an ethically-complex anti-hero would be compelling even today. A new issues. These still exist, but at a different level today. The theme could be maintained
while the storyline adapted to reflect our current reality, in order to connect with
interpretation could explore the character’s psyche and shed light on how he went
from being a devastated son to an unhinged anti-hero. I found the duality of the today’s audiences. Perhaps the producers could highlight the following concepts and
character, demonstrating compassion and vulnerability on one hand, and absolute weave them into the storyline:

ruthlessness on the other, to be fascinating and a movie focusing on a similar concept,
that platforms the protagonist’s internal struggles, doubts, and remorse, could be • Diversity and Inclusion: Expanding the representation of different cultures,
well received. lifestyles, and identities would resonate more with today’s diverse audience.

In your opinion, how would the remake have to be altered in order to appeal to • Family Dynamics: Exploring the evolving concept of the family unit (single parents,
modern audiences? LGBTQIA+ families) can reflect modern societal changes while staying true to the
essence of the original film.
The character in the movie is somewhat one-note in his relentless pursuit of what he
sees as justice. He blindly manipulates others and even commits murder, with the • Technology & Communication: Integrating today’s technology (social media,
viewer sympathising because of the wrongs done to him. In a modern remake, however, smartphones) into the storylines can help make the films feel contemporary and
audiences would likely reject such actions without deeper exploration. Today’s viewers more relevant.
expect more complex characters and layered storytelling. The character should grapple
• Mental Health Awareness: Addressing issues like depression, personal struggles,
with his decisions, or the story could delve into how grief can drive someone down and societal pressures can add depth and relevance to the storyline.
such a dark path, paving the way for a more nuanced narrative.