Ek Villian to Murder 2: Indian adaptations of Korean drama

Duranga (Flower of Evil)
ZEE5’s Duranga is one of the most gripping adaptations of a Korean drama in India. Inspired by Flower of Evil, it tells the story of a man hiding a dark past from his wife, who is a police officer. The series carefully balances suspense, family drama, and mystery, making it more than just a thriller. Its success showed how Korean narratives can blend seamlessly with Indian sensibilities, creating a psychological drama that leaves viewers questioning loyalty, love, and trust.

Blind (Blind)
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s Blind adapted the Korean film of the same name into a chilling crime drama for Indian audiences. The story follows a visually impaired ex-cop who becomes the only witness to a gruesome crime, forcing her to confront danger head-on. The Indian version retained the essence of the original while giving it a homegrown flavor through its setting and emotional beats. With its strong performances and atmospheric tension, Blind became a memorable attempt at translating Korean thrillers for Bollywood.

Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan (Boys Over Flowers)
Boys Over Flowers is one of the most iconic K-dramas, and its Indian echo came through the youth drama Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan. The show centered around love, friendship, heartbreaks, and complicated college dynamics. While the Indian version reworked the cultural backdrop, it kept the high-stakes romance and emotional rollercoaster intact. With its relatable characters, catchy dialogues, and youthful energy, Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan became a cult favorite among the younger audience, proving how Korean-inspired romances can thrive in the Indian television landscape.

Dhamaka (The Terror Live)
Kartik Aaryan’s Dhamaka brought intensity to Netflix, reimagining the Korean film The Terror Live. The movie revolves around a journalist who receives a live bomb threat during a broadcast, forcing him into a moral and professional crisis. The story unfolds almost entirely in one location, which heightens the suspense and pressure. While it retained the thriller’s edge, the Indian version added commentary on the media’s race for ratings, making it feel grounded and relevant. Dhamaka stood out for its pace and gripping premise.

Ek Villain (I Saw the Devil)
The Bollywood hit Ek Villain was loosely inspired by I Saw the Devil, a Korean revenge thriller known for its brutality. While the original focused on a cat-and-mouse chase between a cop and a killer, the Indian version reworked the story into an emotional drama of love, revenge, and redemption. With memorable performances by Riteish Deshmukh and Sidharth Malhotra, it managed to blend action and romance, resonating strongly with Bollywood audiences. The film’s haunting songs also elevated its impact, ensuring commercial success.

Murder 2 (The Chaser)
The Korean film The Chaser found its Indian equivalent in Murder 2, starring Emraan Hashmi and Jacqueline Fernandez. The film explored the dark world of crime, where a former cop-turned-detective investigates missing women and comes face-to-face with a terrifying serial killer. While The Chaser focused heavily on gritty realism, Murder 2 added the Bollywood touch of glamour, music, and stylized action. Despite differences, it captured the tension and horror of the original, giving audiences one of the most engaging thrillers of its time.

Rocky Handsome (The Man from Nowhere)
John Abraham’s Rocky Handsome took inspiration from the Korean action film The Man from Nowhere. The movie follows a quiet, brooding man whose violent past resurfaces when a little girl he cares for is kidnapped by a dangerous gang. Known for its slick action sequences and emotional undercurrent, the Indian version attempted to balance high-octane stunts with an emotional story. While it didn’t achieve the same cult status as the original, Rocky Handsome gave Bollywood fans an action drama with genuine heart.

Teen (Montage)
Amitabh Bachchan’s Teen drew inspiration from the Korean film Montage, delivering a deeply emotional crime drama. The story revolves around an aging grandfather still searching for his missing granddaughter years later. Alongside him, a police officer reopens an old case, unraveling a mystery filled with grief, hope, and obsession. With standout performances by Amitabh Bachchan, Vidya Balan, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the film resonated for its subtle storytelling. Teen proved how Indian cinema could adapt international stories while adding emotional depth and cultural context.

Bharat (Ode to My Father)
Salman Khan’s Bharat was inspired by the Korean blockbuster Ode to My Father. The film traced the journey of one man across decades, from Partition to modern India, mirroring the nation’s changing landscape. The Korean original focused on South Korea’s turbulent history, while the Indian adaptation localized the narrative through cultural milestones. Though more Bollywood in its treatment with songs and spectacle, Bharat retained the emotional core of sacrifice, family, and resilience. It became a large-scale drama blending personal and national history seamlessly.