Remakes should be better than the original: Javed Akhtar

Comments [ 10 ] By India-Forums.com Staff | 03 April 2012 | 3:06pm

javed akhtar

Scriptwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar, who is upset with reports of a remake of 1973 super hit film "Zanjeer", says they should only be made if they are better than the original.

"Any film can be remade provided that it is better that the original. If you are not making it good then where is the need of making it? Ram Gopal Varma remade 'Sholay'. He shouldn't have done that, but it is a free country...," the 67-year-old told reporters at the Vidhu Vinod Chopra film festival.

The 1973-hit "Zanjeer", starring Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Pran, was produced and directed by Prakash Mehra and his son Amit has decided to remake the action thriller.

A writer has the moral right over his work and changes cannot be made without his permission, Akhtar contended.

"There is something besides a copyright, about which no one talks and that is moral rights. It is not to be changed. If you buy an artist's painting and put it up in your house, you cannot change the content of the painting. The moral rights of the painting remains with the artist," he said.

"Similarly, if you have taken the script, the writer has the moral right over it. You cannot make changes in it without the writer's consent or permission," Ahktar added.

Copyright IANS

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Date: 4/3/2012 1:56:27 PMerrrm
@ -Vanshikaa-

I agree with you, we can't know how it will be before it's made. But that permission must be sought before embarking upon the product, I think is not just polite or appropriate; it's absolutely necessary.

I know I'd be bummed if someone re-made a film I'd written without coming to me first. I wouldn't really care then if they ruin it or make it cooler, even though if they ruined it, it would make me look better :P
Date: 4/3/2012 12:25:36 PM-Vanshikaa-
@errm

Well, like you said some people liked the Don remake whereas others did not. Thus, it would be wrong to conclude that a Zanjeer remake would turn out bad. A remake can never be better than the original, because its the ORIGINAL! So, I think JA's argument lacks substance. As per permission, Salman Khan will need to convince his father Salim Khan for the remake. But, I don't see no problem in that. Films like Zanjeer need to be revived. Whether that be for the better or worse, who are we to decide unless it's remade.2012-04-03 12:29:01
Date: 4/3/2012 11:13:55 AMerrrm
@ -Vanshikaa-

He did concede that it is a free world and people can do what they please and make remakes, whether good or bad.

His main contention here was that the original writer's permission must be taken. And Farhan did take Salim-Javed's permission, so no problem.

Whether the remake, ultimately, was better or worse is open to debate - it is very subjective. Many people have liked Farhan's Don more, including me. (Although I found SRK's Vijay accent fake and supremely annoying - only Big B can pull that off.)

There is a logic, I think.
Date: 4/3/2012 9:28:00 AM-Vanshikaa-
His son, Farhan, can remake a film like Don and tarnish it. But, others can't remake a film. Oh. What great logic.
Date: 4/3/2012 7:30:14 AM-DE-
Remakes in my opnion should not be made.

Movies like Mighle-E-Azam are precious movies they way they are.

Bollywood Actress earlier times from 1900-1980 are 10 times better actresses than todays actresses. They wont be able to keep up with high level of acting , so remake will be difficult.
Date: 4/3/2012 6:54:22 AM-Shruti
Agree, remake can never be better than the original. Amitabh Bachchan will always remain 'DON'. About Zanjeer, nobody can portray Inspector Vijay, never.
Date: 4/3/2012 6:47:00 AMerrrm
Btw Farhan Akhtar did seek permission from Salim Khan before remaking Don :) It is a well-known fact, but I dug up these two articles just in case.

http://www.glamsham.com/movies/interviews/salim_khan.asp

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Farhan-Akhtar-hopes-Salim-Khan-likes-Don-2/Article1-761484.aspx
2012-04-03 07:13:31
Date: 4/3/2012 6:31:45 AM_Serz_
I agree with him
and his son did quite a good job with Don 1
it wasnt better than the original but with all those unexpected twists, it made it worth watching
bt with Don 2 he killed it all
Date: 4/3/2012 5:59:07 AMabhishelke123
Sir what about Don directed by your son Farhan Akhtar!!!
Date: 4/3/2012 4:52:55 AMleo4ever
i tend to agree with his point but did his son do the same with salim khan?2012-04-03 04:53:05