Dharmendra’s Superhits Recreated in the South
From Phool Aur Patthar to Sholay and Seeta Aur Geeta, Dharmendra’s timeless blockbusters transcended linguistic barriers, finding new audiences and success in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema
The “He-Man” of Indian cinema, Dharmendra, has long stood as a symbol of strength, charm, and cross-cultural cinematic influence. From the 1960s to the 1980s, his films not only dominated the Hindi box office but also inspired a wave of successful remakes in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam — each reinterpreting his iconic roles for regional audiences. The phenomenon underscored the power of storytelling that transcends language and geography.
His 1966 hit Phool Aur Patthar — the film that made him a star overnight — set the tone for this legacy. Its emotional depth and gripping drama found echoes in Nindu Manasulu (Telugu, 1967), Oli Vilakku (Tamil, 1968), and Puthiya Velicham (Malayalam, 1979). Each remake struck gold with local audiences, proving that Dharmendra’s appeal was truly pan-Indian.
Another milestone was Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), the beloved twin-swap comedy featuring Dharmendra and Hema Malini. Its universal storyline inspired Ganga Manga (Telugu, 1973) and Vani Rani (Tamil, 1974) — both major hits in their regions. Likewise, Insaf Ki Pukar (1973), another Dharmendra-Hema collaboration, was reimagined in Telugu, retaining its emotional soul and moral gravitas.
No discussion of Dharmendra’s cinematic reach is complete without Sholay (1975). Revered as one of India’s greatest films, it too spawned southern remakes, with Veeru — Dharmendra’s unforgettable character — becoming a cult figure. Interestingly, in 2011, filmmaker Puri Jagannadh had considered a Telugu remake with Prabhas and Gopichand, though the idea was shelved after Ramesh Sippy advised against touching the classic.
The trend continued into the 1980s. The Burning Train (1980) — a disaster thriller starring Dharmendra, Hema Malini, and Vinod Khanna — found new life in Tamil and Telugu. Rajput (1982) and Ghazab (1982), too, crossed linguistic borders with remakes that preserved their emotional intensity while tailoring them to local sensibilities.
Dharmendra’s cinematic legacy goes beyond stardom. His films — remade, reinterpreted, and rediscovered — embody the universality of emotion, heroism, and humanity. They demonstrate how stories told with heart can resonate across regions and generations. For decades, Dharmendra has not only entertained but also united audiences — a true testament to the enduring spirit of Indian cinema.
The Article is authored by Siftpreet Kaur, Intern from St. Joseph Degree and PG College.