6 blockbuster Malayalam movies remade in Hindi and where to watch them on OTT: Drishyam to Manichitrathazhu

On September 11, veteran director Priyadarshan’s 99th film, Haiwaan (Beast), was released in theatres. The film stars Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar in the lead roles, with Saif playing a visually impaired man. When details about the film first emerged, it was revealed that Haiwaan would be the official remake of Priyadarshan’s own Malayalam film Oppam, which was released in 2016.

Oppam was a blockbuster upon release and went on to become the third-highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time at the time. With Haiwaan currently running in theatres, here is a look at six popular Malayalam films that were remade in Hindi, along with details on their stories, cast and where you can watch them on OTT.

1. Drishyam → Drishyam


Jeethu Joseph’s Drishyam is one of the most popular Malayalam thrillers of recent years. Released in 2013, the film stars Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Kalabhavan Shajohn, Asha Sharath and Siddique.

The story follows Georgekutty, a simple but intelligent man who goes to extraordinary lengths to protect his family after they accidentally become involved in a crime. The film keeps the audience guessing as Georgekutty carefully plans his family's way out of the situation.

The Malayalam hit was remade in Hindi in 2015, with Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta and Rishab Chadha in the lead roles. Directed by Nishikant Kamat, the Hindi version followed the same basic premise and became a major success.

Both the Malayalam and Hindi versions are available to stream on JioHotstar.

The franchise is also set to continue with Drishyam: The Conclusion, which is scheduled to release on October 2, 2026. Directed by Abhishek Pathak, the film continues after Drishyam 2 but comes with a new story and screenplay. Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Jaideep Ahlawat are part of the cast.




2. Manichitrathazhu → Bhool Bhulaiyaa

Fazil’s Manichitrathazhu is another Malayalam classic that found a new audience in Hindi cinema. Released in 1993, the psychological horror film featured Mohanlal, Shobana and Suresh Gopi in key roles.

The story revolves around a family that moves into an old mansion, where strange incidents begin to take place. What initially appears to be a supernatural mystery gradually becomes a complex psychological case.

The Malayalam film was remade in Hindi as Bhool Bhulaiyaa in 2007. Priyadarshan directed the Hindi version, which starred Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan and Shiney Ahuja. Available on JioHotstar.

3. Ramji Rao Speaking → Hera Pheri

Released in 1989, Ramji Rao Speaking is a much-loved Malayalam comedy featuring Sai Kumar, Mukesh, Innocent and others. The film follows three struggling men who find themselves caught in a kidnapping situation while trying to solve their financial problems.

The Priyadarshan-led Hindi remake, Hera Pheri, arrived in 2000 with Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal. While the Hindi film developed its own identity, it retained the basic comic setup of three men getting caught in a chaotic situation.

Hera Pheri went on to become one of Bollywood’s most popular comedies, with its characters and dialogues becoming widely remembered.

4. Bodyguard → Bodyguard

Siddique’s Bodyguard was released in Malayalam in 2010, with Dileep and Nayantara in the lead roles. The romantic action-comedy follows a man whose job is to protect a woman, eventually leading to a complicated relationship between the two.

The film was remade in Hindi as Bodyguard in 2011, starring Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan. One interesting connection between the two versions is that Siddique, who directed the Malayalam original, also directed the Hindi adaptation.

The Hindi version became a major commercial success and further established the story among Bollywood audiences. Available on Prime Video.

5. Helen → Mili

Mathukutty Xavier’s Helen was released in Malayalam in 2019 and starred Anna Ben in the lead role. The survival thriller follows a young woman who finds herself trapped in a dangerous situation and has to fight against the odds to stay alive.

The film was remade in Hindi as Mili in 2022, with Janhvi Kapoor taking on the lead role. Mathukutty Xavier directed the Hindi adaptation as well, making him one of the few filmmakers to helm both the original and its remake.

The two films share the same survival-based premise, with the Hindi version adapting the story for a new audience. Helen is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Mili available on Netflix.




6. Driving Licence → Selfiee

Lal Jr’s Driving Licence was released in Malayalam in 2019 and starred Prithviraj Sukumaran and Suraj Venjaramoodu. The film follows a police officer whose admiration for his favourite actor takes an unexpected turn when he gets involved in helping the star obtain a driving licence.

Their first meeting does not go as planned, eventually turning the two into bitter rivals. The film mixes comedy, ego clashes and the relationship between a celebrity and his fan.

The story was adapted into Hindi as Selfiee in 2023. Raj Mehta directed the remake, which starred Akshay Kumar, Emraan Hashmi, Nushrratt Bharuccha and Diana Penty.

The Malayalam Driving Licence is available to stream on Prime Video, while Selfiee is available on JioHotstar.