Is Laxmii a Remake of Kanchana? An Analysis

Exclusive: Laxmii, the 2020 Hindi-language horror-comedy, is believed to be a remake of Raghava Lawrence's 2011 Tamil film, Kanchana. In this article, we delve into the similarities and differences between the two films, explore the implications for the Hollywood-Indian industry, and analyze the reception of Laxmii from a critical and industry perspective.

Introduction

With the recent release of Laxmii on DisneyHotstar, a significant question has emerged: is Laxmii a remake of Kanchana? The answer is yes, and this analysis aims to explore the reasons behind this remaking, its impact on the industry, and the public response to Laxmii.

The Films

Kanchana (2011) was a colossal hit in Tamil cinema, directed by Raghava Lawrence. It starred Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani, with Ayesha Raza Mishra, Rajesh Sharma, and Ashwini Kalsekar taking on pivotal roles. The film revolved around the supernatural narrative of a man being possessed by a ghost, a character played by a transgender actor. A decade after his last venture into the horror-comedy genre, Akshay Kumar returned in this film.

Laxmii (2020), also directed by Raghava Lawrence, shares a similar storyline. It stars the same actors, with Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani taking the lead roles. The film also features Ayesha Raza Mishra, Rajesh Sharma, and Ashwini Kalsekar. Released on November 22, 2020, on DisneyHotstar, Laxmii garnered negative reviews and was deemed a box office bomb.

Why is Laxmii Considered a Remake?

The remake aspect of Laxmii is often discussed due to the following factors:

Similar Plot: Both films deal with the supernatural theme of a male character being possessed by a female ghost, adding layers of intrigue and suspense to the narrative. Same Director: Raghava Lawrence directed both films, lending the same storyteller's touch to the narrative, which can result in similar camera angles, dialogue, and storytelling techniques. Production Team and Cast: The films share the same production team and most of the same actors, which suggests a continuous influence or idea retention in the filmmaking process.

Industry Implications

The idea of remaking a film, especially one as popular as Kanchana, raises several questions in the Bollywood industry. There are arguments both for and against this approach:

Capitalizing on Popularity: Remakes can be a cost-effective way to tap into a proven audience, but the risk lies in the audience's expectations and the film's failure to meet them. Unique Identity: While remakes can lead to creative stagnation, they can also provide a platform for actors and directors to showcase their talents in different genres.

Public Reception

The reception of Laxmii has been mixed. Critics and audiences alike have raised questions about the film's originality and innovation:

"Laxmii is a remake from the same director, Raghava Lawrence, who acted and directed Kanchana. The sequences in Laxmii are different, claims sources, suggesting that the filmmakers have tried to inject some new elements into the story. However, the reception suggests that the remake may not have been the hit Raghava Lawrence was hoping for."

Despite the remake label, the film's presence is undeniable. Akshay Kumar's lead role and his ability to bring joy to audiences, as always, adds a layer of charm to the film. However, the questions remain: can a remake outshine the original, and does it need to?

Conclusion

Laxmii is indeed a remake of Kanchana 2011. Critics and industry experts may debate the merits of remaking successful films, but there is no doubting the impact of such films on the industry and the audience. Whether Laxmii will be remembered as a successful remake or a box office bomb remains to be seen, but it has certainly piqued interest and provided another dimension to the narrative of remakes in Bollywood.

FAQs

Q: Is Laxmii exactly the same as Kanchana?
Status: No. Laxmii is a remake but it includes different sequences and new elements added by the production team. Q: Who is Raghava Lawrence?
Status: Raghava Lawrence is a prominent director in the Indian film industry, known for his supernatural-themed films. Q: Did Laxmii perform well at the box office?
Status: Laxmii was not well-received and considered a box office bomb.