By Rana Daggubati Regrets Tamil Remake of ‘Bangalore Days’: ‘It Performed Terribly
Even after a decade since its release, the Malayalam film ‘Bangalore Days’ continues to be a beloved classic among movie lovers. Released in 2014, the film quickly became a sensation, thanks to its heartfelt storytelling, relatable characters, and an ensemble cast featuring Dulquer Salmaan, Nivin Pauly, Fahadh Faasil, Nazriya Nazim, and Parvathy Thiruvothu. The film beautifully captured the essence of friendship, love, and aspirations, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience. Its widespread success led to a Tamil remake titled ‘Bangalore Naatkal’. However, the remake failed to replicate the charm and impact of the original.
In a 2020 interview with IANS, actor Rana Daggubati, who was part of ‘Bangalore Naatkal’, candidly admitted that remaking the film was not the best decision. Reflecting on the film’s underwhelming performance, he stated, “I was part of the Tamil remake of Bangalore Days. The film performed terribly at the box office, and I wish we hadn’t remade such a beautiful film.” His comments highlighted the disappointment surrounding the remake, which struggled to capture the emotional depth and camaraderie that made ‘Bangalore Days’ so special.
Rana further revealed that his primary motivation for taking part in the remake was his admiration for Fahadh Faasil’s role in the original. However, despite his enthusiasm, the Tamil adaptation did not resonate with audiences the way the Malayalam version did.
‘Bangalore Naatkal’ featured a strong cast, including Arya, Bobby Simha, Sri Divya, and Prakash Raj in key roles. Arya took on the character originally played by Dulquer Salmaan, while Bobby Simha and Rana Daggubati portrayed the roles previously essayed by Nivin Pauly and Fahadh Faasil. Sri Divya stepped into Nazriya Nazim’s role, while Parvathy Thiruvothu reprised her role from the original. Additionally, the film included Samantha Ruth Prabhu in a special cameo.
Despite featuring a talented ensemble and following the same storyline as ‘Bangalore Days’, ‘Bangalore Naatkal’ failed to connect with the audience. Many felt that the Tamil version lacked the emotional essence, natural performances, and nostalgic charm that defined the original. Fans of the Malayalam film believed that the relationships and chemistry among the characters in the remake felt forced and lacked authenticity, which contributed to its lukewarm reception at the box office.
Directed by Bommarilu Bhaskar, ‘Bangalore Naatkal’ was a major setback for the filmmaker. The film’s commercial failure marked a challenging period in his career, and it took him over five years to return with a successful project. His eventual comeback came in the form of ‘Most Eligible Bachelor’, a romantic drama starring Akhil Akkineni and Pooja Hegde, which received a much better response.
One of the key aspects that worked in favor of ‘Bangalore Days’ was its deeply engaging soundtrack, composed by Gopi Sundar. His music played an integral role in elevating the film’s emotional impact and resonated with audiences across all age groups. Gopi Sundar also composed the soundtrack for the Tamil remake, but it did not leave the same lasting impression.
Despite the disappointing reception of its Tamil counterpart, ‘Bangalore Days’ continues to enjoy a dedicated fan following and remains a cultural milestone in Malayalam cinema. The film’s universal themes of friendship, dreams, and personal growth have allowed it to stand the test of time. Audiences still revisit the movie for its heartfelt narrative, compelling performances, and beautiful depiction of relationships.
For those who wish to relive the magic of ‘Bangalore Days’, the film is currently available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. Its enduring popularity serves as a testament to the power of authentic storytelling and the profound impact it has on viewers, even years after its initial release.
