Old is gold. When we look back at Malayalam cinema, we usually equate original films (that do really well with audiences) with gold. However, here are a few films that struck gold with audiences, despite being adaptations.

'Vettam' (2004) - 'French Kiss' (1999)

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Priyadarshan's 2004 film 'Vettam' is an adaptation of the 1999 American film 'French Kiss', famed for its accuracy to the original. Clocking almost three hours, this screwball comedy is critically acclaimed on a technical level too, and features an ensemble cast of Dileep in his prime, along with Innocent, Kalabhavan Mani, Jagathy Sreekumar, Nedumudi Venu and more.

The film's plot revolves around Gopi, a thief, and his rendezvous with Veena, in an attempt to escape after stealing a necklace. The two eventually fall in love, creating chaos in both their lives.

'Nirnayam' (1995) - 'The Fugitive' (1993)

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Despite having a great plot and performances from the leads Mohanlal and Heera Rajagopal, the film suffered on account of it being a remake of a remake: it was adaptation of Mahesh Bhatt's 'Criminal' (1994), which was itself adapted from American film 'The Fugitive' (1993). Both films share similar themes of justice, truth and revenge.

'Anwar' (2011) - 'Traitor' (2008)

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Amal Neerad's 2010 action thriller 'Anwar' is loosely inspired from the 2008 American film 'Traitor', in terms of narration and character arcs.

The Malayalam film sees Prithviraj as the titular protagonist, a common man who loses his family to terrorism and teams up with a high-ranking police officer to exact revenge on the terrorists. In the American version, Guy Pearce plays the lead character Paul Clayton, an FBI agent assigned for this operation.

'Kilukkam' (1991) - 'Roman Holiday' (1953)

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'Kilukkam' is a Malayalam film that has long occupied a place in Malayali hearts across the globe with its charming wit, well-written characters, memorable dialogues, and mesmerising visuals.

Directed by Priyadarshan, the film is about an orphan girl feigning mental sickness as she searches for her family in Ooty. 'Roman Holiday', likewise, is about a princess who escaped from her royal family and responsibilities and decided to spend a few days in Rome.

'Life is Beautiful' (2000) - 'Dead Poets Society' (1989)

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Fazil's Malayalam movie 'Life Is Beautiful' is said to be a partial remake of Peter Weir's legendary, oft-quoted Hollywood classical drama 'Dead Poets Society'. The protagonist happens to be a teacher too, and his interactions with his students is highly inspired from 'Dead Poets Society'

The remainder of the plot differs from 'Dead Poets Society' for it revolves around adultery, loyalty and practising what you preach.

'Romans' (2013) - 'We're No Angels' (1989)

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The two films share similar core plots, leading characters and elements. Both films have similar expositions and plot twists. Two fugitives escape from prison and find refuge in a village, after which the natives presume them to be priests, leaving them no way to escape from the village.

'Udayananu Tharam' (2005) - 'Bowfinger' (1999)

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Udayananu Tharam was Rosshan Andrrews' debut film released in 2005, made from a screenplay by penned by the prolific actor-screenwriter Sreenivasan. Highly inspired by a 1999 American film named 'Bowfinger', both films have struggling filmmakers as protagonists.

Despite being an adaptation, it won two Kerala State awards for Best Debut Director and Best Choreography.