Aamir Khan Defends Remakes: Why He Believes in Reimagining Stories

Aamir Khan's Passion for Remakes

Mumbai: Aamir Khan, known for his cinematic contributions, has expressed his unwavering belief in the art of remakes. His recent film, Laal Singh Chaddha, was an official adaptation of Forrest Gump, while his upcoming project, Sitaare Zameen Par, has faced criticism for being a remake of the Spanish film Campeones.

In a recent group interview, Aamir shared that he has been involved in over ten remakes, most of which have been successful, with the exception of Laal Singh Chaddha. He stated, "From Ghajini to Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, which is based on Romeo and Juliet, I have never shied away from remaking stories. For me, each remake is a fresh canvas to explore."

He further elaborated, "I will continue to embrace remakes throughout my career. If I come across a compelling story to adapt, I will pursue it. Viewers have the choice to watch or skip it; my choice is to create."

Aamir also drew parallels to Shakespeare, questioning why his works are still revered today despite being adapted countless times. He remarked, "If you can write your own play, why revisit 'Hamlet'? The discourse around remakes is puzzling, especially with the recent surge of online criticism."

He emphasized that many successful films are remakes, and creating a film is far more complex than merely copying another's work. "It's not just a cut and paste; it requires passion and dedication," he added.

Aamir pointed out that he is not alone in this practice, citing other prominent figures in Hindi cinema, including renowned screenwriters Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, who have also adapted various stories.

He acknowledged the cultural differences in film consumption, noting that while Spanish films like Campeones resonate with their audiences, Indian viewers often overlook foreign cinema. He believes there is a need for greater awareness and sensitivity towards topics like neurodivergence, which Sitaare Zameen Par aims to address.

In this film, directed by R. S. Prasanna, Aamir portrays Gulshan, an assistant coach for a basketball team of specially-abled players, who faces a choice between jail time and community service after losing his job.

Set to release on June 20, Sitaare Zameen Par comes three years after the disappointing performance of Laal Singh Chaddha, which faced significant backlash on social media, leading to calls for a boycott.

Aamir reflected on the negativity surrounding Laal Singh Chaddha, stating, "People often criticize without understanding the film or its themes. Trolling is a form of negativity, and while it exists, it doesn't define the quality of a film."

He dismissed the idea that online trolling impacts box office success, asserting that a film's merit ultimately determines its reception. "If Dangal had released alongside Laal Singh Chaddha, it would have been a hit regardless of the trolling. The film simply wasn't strong enough to resonate with audiences," he explained.

Aamir mentioned that he pays attention to genuine audience feedback rather than the opinions of trolls, stating, "I focus on the reactions of real viewers who appreciate my work. Their opinions matter far more than those of online trolls."