From Anupamaa to GHKKPM: Why are regional shows getting Hindi remakes?

For years, Indian television’s creative compass largely pointed in one direction—towards Hindi general entertainment channels (GECs) serving mainstream audiences. But the tide is turning. Increasingly, successful regional-language shows are not only holding their own in their home markets but also becoming templates for national Hindi remakes. From Bengal and Maharashtra to the southern powerhouses of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, regional content is being adapted, reimagined, and served to pan-India audiences—sometimes with striking success, other times with cultural dilution.

The Trend Takes Off:

Hindi GECs like Star Plus, Colors, and Zee TV have steadily begun mining regional hits to breathe fresh life into their programming. These are not just casual “inspirations” anymore but official remakes with a blueprint. Take Anupamaa for instance, one of Star Plus’s biggest TRP juggernauts in recent times. It’s a remake of the Bengali show Sreemoyee, originally aired on Star Jalsha. The core plot—of a middle-aged homemaker reclaiming her life post betrayal—resonated deeply across linguistic lines. Similarly, Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin on Star Plus, another chart-topper, is based on the Bengali show Kusum Dola. Even the Marathi serial Aggabai Sasubai found a Hindi cousin in Kabhi Kabhie Ittefaq Sey, aired on Star Plus.

Why This Shift?

So why are channels suddenly leaning into regional remakes? “Regional content often dares to be more rooted, emotionally nuanced, and culturally specific,” says a creative director from a leading GEC, requesting anonymity. “Hindi TV had been stuck in a loop of tried-and-tested tropes. Adapting regional hits gives us a head start—the content is already tested and loved.” There’s also the undeniable rise of the regional viewer in the digital age. With dubbed content from channels like Sun TV and Zee Tamil going viral on YouTube, producers realize that audiences are no longer language-bound. What works in Malayalam or Kannada today, can work in Hindi tomorrow—provided it’s adapted with sensitivity.

The Cultural Catch:

However, not all remakes hit the mark. Fans often complain that Hindi versions lose the cultural richness and emotional depth of the originals. Take the Tamil hit Saravanan Meenatchi, for example—a beloved romantic drama that resonated for its rooted characters and small-town charm. Its Hindi remake, Piya Albela, attempted to capture the same essence but often veered into over-the-top storytelling, losing the subtlety and realism that made the original so compelling. “Regional shows are made for very specific cultural backdrops,” says TV critic Aastha Tiwari. “Translating that into a pan-India format without losing nuance is tricky. Many remakes end up flattening out what made the original special.” So why are channels suddenly leaning into regional remakes? “Regional content often dares to be more rooted, emotionally nuanced, and culturally specific,” says a creative director from a leading GEC, requesting anonymity. “Hindi TV had been stuck in a loop of tried-and-tested tropes. Adapting regional hits gives us a head start—the content is already tested and loved.” There’s also the undeniable rise of the regional viewer in the digital age. With dubbed content from channels like Sun TV and Zee Tamil going viral on YouTube, producers realize that audiences are no longer language-bound. What works in Malayalam or Kannada today, can work in Hindi tomorrow, provided it’s adapted with sensitivity.

The Southern Influence:

It’s not just Bengali and Marathi shows; Tamil and Malayalam series are also in the spotlight. Shows like Chithi, Kayal, and Vanathai Pola have all sparked interest in the remake space. The Tamil serial Thirumathi Selvam was the inspiration for Pavitra Rishta, the Hindi show that shot late actor Sushant Singh Rajput to fame. More recently, Colors Tamil’s Idhayathai Thirudathey is rumoured to be in talks for a Hindi adaptation. Malayalam television, known for its grounded and mature storytelling, is being eyed next.

Looking Ahead

As the appetite for diverse storytelling grows, regional content is no longer seen as “vernacular” or niche. In fact, it’s becoming the content pipeline for the Hindi TV universe. But the challenge lies in preserving authenticity while scaling it for a national audience. Whether this trend leads to a golden period of cross-cultural storytelling or ends in formulaic adaptations, depends on how respectfully the industry handles these remakes. One thing’s clear: regional is no longer just a stepping stone; it’s now setting the tone.