These 10+ Iconic Bollywood films of Priyadarshan & Others were originally scripted by Sreenivasan

Sreenivasan – Malayalam’s beloved screenwriter & actor – the legend – the real GOAT of Malayalam cinema passed away today morning at the age of 69. He has been going through severe health issues and illness in the past few years and has been not active in the industry. But the kind of contribution Sreenivasan gave to Malayalam cinema in the 1980s and 1990s is immensely huge, and irreplaceable.

He touched several socially relevant topics to the core and presented to Malayalis in a sarcastic way. Many of his scripts (also acting roles) though appeared funny those days or comedy pieces, they contained many elements of realism, thoughts of Malayalis & their social circles, their insecurities & behaviours and literally trolled them. Literally he trolled every Malayali through his films and showed the mirror of Kerala society through his films, in a satire way. Through his scenes, he evoked and stirred human emotions, and most important, his scripts are not spoon-feeding. How many immortal characters he created through his pen – Keeleri Achu through Kankettu, Thalathil Dineshan through Vadakkunokki Yanthram and many more. 

Sreenivasan – The true legend of Mollywood

It’s 100% impossible for Malayalam cinema to place an artist above him, an artist who knows the real pulse of Malayali audience, the voice of common man who writes about their simple life, fun moments and life complexities in a satire and realistic way. It’s 100% impossible to find someone in future – That’s his stature in Malayalam cinema. Many of his written dialogues are a part of Malayali’s meme culture and literally there is not even a single Malayali who has not pronounced his dialogues at least once. Even after decades, most of his films & dialogues are relevant. He was such a visionary writer.

If I try to find someone similar to him, it’s none other than our celebrated writer Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, who wrote simple stories in simple words about common man and presented to us in a satire way with many insights about life. We can find many things common in both. If I say, he is ‘Basheer of Malayalam Cinema’, it’s nothing wrong! Not hyperbole either! Both have influenced Malayalis’ in almost a similar way, forced us to think, through their satire but simple stories. Either it’s Vaikom’s story or Sreenivasan’s script, it won’t leave us easily. They are etched in hearts forever!

If we compare Malayalam cinema to Bollywood, there’s only a few artists like Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand, who have excelled as actor, screenwriter, director and also producer and remained at top for many years, and for Malayalam, we have only one artist who have excelled in all these territories – One and only Sreenivasan, the real ‘Showman of Malayalam Cinema’, the true genius. What makes him different from Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand is – He was not a star material with glamour or fair skin, but he’s true representative of common man, short & ordinary, very relatable and looking close to Amol Palekar, so realistic, yet grounded. That was he!

Honestly, I am struggling with words and emotions to describe the impact of Sreenivasan, his scripts and roles on Malayali audience, and how his works influenced Malayalis since 1980s. I am no one to describe who this legend is; I will only fail, because whatever I say, it won’t be enough. No one can hate him, not even his enemies. He’ll make them laugh too, because he always spoke truth, straight from heart. In real life too, he never carried any fake elements with him, which makes him truly exceptional. Also read: 10 best scripts of Sreenivasan.

A word to say about Sreenivasan, Mohanlal and Jagathy Sreekumar

Sreenivasan-Mohanlal and Mohanlal-Jagathy – two great combos who has travelled along with me from childhood, and when Sreenivasan leaves today, I can feel the void. Sreeni & Jagathy – Only 2 actors who can overpower Mohanlal on screen, when it comes to combination scenes, and as audience, every Malayali loved it, enjoyed it, cheered in theatres and we craved for more. That’s the magic woven by these three artists in Malayalis’ hearts. Needless to say, these two artists played a magnificent role in establishing the super stardom of Mohanlal. Their works with Mammootty also deserve applause.

Without mentioning about Mohanlal, we can’t fully describe the impact of Sreenivasan on Malayali culture and social life. We can’t exclude Jagathy from discussions too. That’s why I briefly explained about these three actors, who deeply influenced three generations and many generations to come. Also, when we discuss about Priyadarshan’s Hindi films, we can’t exclude these three artists because a good percent of the director’s films/remakes belong to them too. So, it’s my brief introduction to those not so familiar with Malayalam cinema.

If I start writing about the contributions of Sreenivasan to Malayalam cinema & the kind of love people ponder on him, I may need a whole book. So, I shall focus only on only my topic this time and list those iconic Hindi movies of Priyadarshan and other directors, originally scripted by Sreenivasan. Yet, throughout this discussion, I might briefly explain Sreenivasan’s contributions too, and this is my humble tribute to the legend, on behalf of every Malayali. 

Iconic Bollywood films of Priyadarshan, originally scripted by Sreenivasan

Many of the popular dialogues of Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Asrani and many others from Priyadarshan films, which have become a rage on social media decades after their release are originally written by Sreenivasan. Comparing Malayalam memes, they may be far less, because Priyadarshan never dared to attempt remaking many of his iconic scripts like Nadodikkattu Series, Midhunam and Sandesham, directed by him or Sathyan Anthikad. Many of his dialogues has become a reference point in a wide variety of contexts, not the least in politics, and still relevant.

For instance, there is an iconic Sreenivasan dialogue from Sandesham delivered by his own character from his film, which literally translates as ‘Never say a single word about Poland’, which is a part of meme culture. His character is affiliated to Communist Party of India. During every election season in Kerala, this dialogue is widely circulated. Two days before his demise, this dialogue came into spotlight again, because Poland outlawed its contemporary Communist Party (KPP) in late 2025 for promoting totalitarianism. Sreenivasan too was a follower of this party during his initial days. But later seeing the changing colours of the party, he criticized the party through his satire script of Sandesham in 1991, which is widely regarded as his best script up to date.

Here is the list of all Priyadarshan Hindi films which I could collect, originally scripted/written dialogues or story by Sreenivasan.

Boeing Boeing (1985) – Garam Masala (2006)

Sreenivasan is credited to writing dialogues for the film, while the original story and script were written by Priyan. It was an adaptation of the 1960 French play of the same name, which has been made into a film in English in 1965. Both the versions directed by Priyadarshan were huge hits. Like the chemistry of Mohanlal and Mukesh was well received in 1985, audience loved the screen pairing of Akshay Kumar and John Abraham too. It was for the first time, both these actors shared screen space together, and later they appeared together in Desi Boyz, which was a moderate success at the box-office too. Also read: Top 10 Hindi remakes of Malayalam films.

Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam (1986) – Yeh Teraa Ghar Yeh Meraa Ghar (2001)

Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam is one among the best works of Sathyan Anthikkad – Sreenivasan, known for its satire take on a socially relevant subject – how to vacate tenants. Original story was written by Sathyan Anthikkad, and screenplay was written by Sreenivasan. Many of its dialogues written by Sreenivasan are still popular, and form a part of Kerala’s meme culture. He played the pivot character of Sub-Inspector K. Rajendran in the film, and the popular song, “Pavizhamalli Poothulanja” song was filmed on him and Karthika. It was one of the very rare occasions, where Sreenivasan played a romantic role on screen, and Malayali audience loved it. lso read: 10 best scripts of Sreenivasan for Sathyan Anthikad films. 

In Yeh Teraa Ghar Yeh Meraa Ghar, original lead roles played by Mohanlal and Karthika were reprised by Suniel Shetty and Mahima Chaudary respectively, while Priyadarshan’s all-time favourite actor Paresh Rawal reprised Sreenivasan’s role with a comic touch. It was one among Priyadarshan remakes, which failed at box office.

Vellanakalude Nadu (1988) – Khatta Meeta (2010)

Both the films directed by Priyadarshan enjoy a cult status. Sreenivasan wrote the screenplay and story for the classic Malayalam satirical film, which is now a part of meme culture. Same is the case of Akshay Kumar starrer Khatta Meeta, whose reels are popular now. Akshay reprised Mohanlal’s original role while Trisha Krishnan reprised Shobana in her Bollywood debut. Also read: Akshay Kumar’s remake films from Malayalam. Sreenivasan played Panchayath President Sivadasan in the original, sharing screen space with Mohanlal and Shobana, and for the Hindi version his role was rewritten where multiple characters were introduced, who represented local bureaucracy and political corruption.

Katha Parayumbol (2007) – Billu (2009)

Katha Parayumbol marked the debut of Sreenivasan as a producer, and alongside actor Mukesh, he produced two movies. Both were successful too. This emotional drama was scripted by Sreenivasan and originally directed by M. Mohanan, in his debut film, who has earlier associated with Sreenivasan through Sathyan Anthikad films. Script was loosely based on the friendship of Lord Krishna and Kuchela (Sudama), Shah Rukh Khan’s dream to work with Priyadarshan came true, and he reprised the role of a superstar played by Mammootty in the original. Irrfan Khan played the titular role of Billu in the film, reprising Sreenivasan’s lead role in original.

Originally titled, Billu Barbar ran into controversies and the movie was released with title, Billu. The movie has three forced item songs featuring Shah Rukh Khan and three lead heroines of Bollywood, which was not in the original. The movie was a failure at box office, though both Khans made remarkable performances. The movie will always be remembered for the screen sharing of two big Khans in one frame and telling the story of friendship, which never happened again. They both worked in Krazzy 4 (SRK in a cameo role), which itself was inspired from yet another iconic Malayalam comedy of 1991, Mookilla Rajyathu. Also read: When Priyadarshan Met Sreenivasan: 10 Films That Became Malayalam Classics

Sreenivasan’s Scripts – Other directors’ Bollywood films

Without any kind slapstick comedy, and more into intellectual writing, this comedic genius transformed Malayalam cinema and left an indelible mark. One thing common in all scripts was ‘Comedy’, which connected with audiences through right chords, and majority of his film scripts, even with moderate success at box office enjoy a cult following and huge fan base, accumulated over the years. 

Mutharamkunnu P.O (1985) – Kushti (2010)

Sreenivasan wrote the screenplay of Mutharamkunnu P.O, for the story written by actor Jagadish. Mukesh and Lizy played the lead roles, while Sreenivasan played the pivot role of Dev Anand. The movie is also known for the special appearance of famous wrestler, Dara Singh, who played himself on screen. The movie directed by acclaimed director Sibi Malayil, enjoys a cult status. Kushti (2010) was directed by Malayalam, T. K. Rajeev Kumar, acclaimed director from Malayalam with several commercial hits and five Kerala State Film Awards. The movie starred Rajpal Yadav and Nargis Bagheri in lead roles, and The Great Khali portrayed himself.

Chithram (1988) – Pyar Hua Chori Chori (1991)

Sreenivasan is credited for the story of Chithram, and he played an important role in grey shade with comic elements in the film too. This cult classic with a tragic end is so fondly loved by Malayalis, and is one of the best movies of Priyadarshan-Mohanlal combo. Actress Ranjini played the female lead. Hindi remake was directed by K. Bapayya and starred Mithun Chakraborty and Gautami in lead roles. Unlike the original, this movie had a positive ending.

Vadakkunokkiyanthram (1989) – Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh (2005)

Original film was scripted, directed and played lead role by Sreenivasan. The remake was directed by Chandan Arora, and Rajpal Yadav excelled in this role as an insecure husband.

Varavelpu (1989) – Chal Chala Chal (2009)

This black comedy film directed by Sathyan Anthikad and written by Sreenivasan, who played the important role of a vehicle inspector. Mohanlal and Revathi played the lead roles. In the Hindi remake, lead roles were played by Govinda, Rajpal Yadav and Reema Sen. The movie also borrowed some scenes from Dileep starrer slapstick comedy, Ee Parakkum Thalika (2001). Chal Chala Chal was directed by multiple award-winning director from Malayalam, T. K. Rajeev Kumar and very often it’s misunderstood to be a Priyadarshan film, because of the treatment and supporting cast. Rajeev Kumar directed the last movie of celebrated duo – Mohanlal & Sreenivasan together, Oru Naal Varum (2010).

Mazhayethum Munpe (1995) – Zameer: The Fire Within (2005)

Kamal directed both versions, and Sreenivasan played the supporting role of a lecturer. Mammootty, Shobana and Annie played lead roles in Malayalam blockbuster. This script of Sreenivasan had more commercial elements added, unlike his realistic & sarcastic comedies. Zameer: The Fire Within is the single Bollywood film in ace filmmaker Kamal’s filmography. The remake starring Ajay Devgn as a college professor, Ameesha Patel as his student and Mahima Chaudhry as his fiancée was a flop.

Chandralekha (1997) – Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega (2000)

The original film directed by Priyadarshan was one of the biggest hits of the year. The film’s core plot was inspired by the 1995 Hollywood film While You Were Sleeping. It was scripted by Sreenivasan, and he had a terrific screen chemistry with Mohanlal in this film, who played his friend. Its Hindi remake directed by Raj Kanwar was a hit at box office. Salman Khan, Rani Mukerjee and Preity Zinta reprised the roles played by Mohanlal, Sukanya and Pooja Bhatra (in her Malayalam debut) in the original. I can’t remember who enacted Salman’s friend in the film.

Udayananu Tharam (2005) – Shortkut (2009)

How can a genius troll himself like this! Many people spread rumours that Sreenivasan wrote this script to troll Mohanlal. But on screen, he is trolling himself. One of the finest movies of Sreenivasan – Mohanlal combo, it was a huge blockbuster directed by Rosshan Andrrews in his directorial debut. The movie had inspired elements from 1999 movie Bowfinger. Hindi remake starring Akshaye Khanna and Arshad Warsi failed to recreate the magic. The movie was directed by Neeraj Vora, who has re-scripted many movies for Priyadarshan including Hera Pheri and Garam Masala.

Original Priyadarshan films scripted by Sreenivasan, Not Remade yet

Hello My Dear Wrong Number (1986)

Priyadarshan wrote the story and Sreenivasan scripted it. Movie starred Mohanlal and Lizy in lead roles. Sreenivasan played Priest Andrews in this movie.

Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu (1986)

This Mohanlal – Lizy starrer had an ensemble cast of Sreenivasan, Maniyanpilla Raju, Mukesh, Kuthiravattam Pappu and Jagathy Sreekumar. This romantic comedy was a commercial success.

Nadodikattu Trilogy

The trilogy consists of three films was originally scripted by Sreenivasan – (Nadodikattu – 1987, Pattana Pravashem – 1988 & Akkare Akkare Akkare – 1990). Sathyan Anthikad directed the first two parts while Priyadarshan directed the third part. Mohanlal and Sreenivasan played the friends – Vijayan and Dasan, which has become a part of Malayali’s popular culture, and re-defined a generation of Malayalam comedy.

Midhunam (1993)

This iconic & super hit film is based on a socially relevant topic on the difficulties faced by an entrepreneur with a startup. This film often come into discussions in public platforms for the performance of Urvashi, and how problematically her character was shown. The movie starred Mohanlal in a lead role and Sreenivasan played his bestie and sidekick. (With all respect for the late screenwriter, whose each and every script is still socially relevant & praised for intellectual writing way ahead of times, I should say, Urvashi’s character was right, not Mohanlal’s. May this, this is the single script of entire career of Srinivasan with flaws.)

Kilichundan Mampazham (2003)

Sreenivasan played a grey-shaded, funny character of a husband in this fun-filled film, scripted by him and directed by Priyan. Mohanlal and Soundarya played pivot roles. Though this film was a flop, it has a separate fanbase.

Other major scripts of Sreenivasan (for other directors) yet to be remade to Hindi include – Akkare Ninnoru Maran (1985), T. P. Balagopalan M. A. (1986), Doore Doore Oru Koodu Kootam (1986), Gandhinagar 2nd Street (1986), Pavam Pavam Rajakumaran (1990), Thalayanamanthram(1990), Vidhyarambham (1990), Sandesham (1991), Champakulam Thachan (1992), My Dear Muthachan (1992), Azhakiya Ravanan (1996), Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (1997 – himself), Ayaal Kadhayezhuthukayanu (1998), Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka (2001), Yathrakarude Sradhakku (2002) and his final script – Njan Prakashan (2018) starring Fahadh Fasil.

Literally, there are only a very few weak scripts in his career. There was a time in the second half of 1980s, when he used to script 10 scripts in a calendar year and most of his films become hits.  

A few acting roles of Sreenivasan were not scripted by him, but remade by Priyadarshan

Ponmuttayidunna Tharavu (1988) – Dus Tola (2010)

Ponmuttayidunna Tharavu was only his second film as a lead actor and the movie received a cult status over the years. Original script was written by Raghunath Paleri, and the movie was directed by Sathyan Anthikad. In Dus Tola, Manoj Bajpayee reprised the role of a goldsmith played by Sreenivasan in the original. Movie was a failure at box office.

Thenmavin Kombath (1994) – Saat Rang Ke Sapne (1998)

Both the films were directed by Priyadarshan. Thenmavin Kombath starring Mohanlal, Shobana, Nedumudi Venu, Kaviyoor Ponnamma and Sreenivasan was a big blockbuster. Sreenivasan’s negative shaded role as a gossiper Appakkala received a lot of praises. Though his role was small, it had a big impact. Its Hindi remake starring Arvind Swamy and Juhi Chawla was a flop. I watched this movie years back. So, I can’t remember who played Appakkala’s role (who spreads rumours). If you know, please comment.

Hindi plays/films adapted to Malayalam by Sreenivasan

-Interestingly all of these directed by Priyadarshan

Odaruthammava Aalariyam (1984)

Odaruthammava Aalariyam was Sreenivasan’s maiden script as a screenwriter, and Priyadarshan became instrumental in making him a screenwriter. It was during those struggling days of Sreenivasan, when he approached the director to get a role in his upcoming film (only his second film as a director after the super success of Poochakkoru Mookkuthi, released earlier that year). Priyadarshan was willing to give him a role, but on one condition, “You should write the script”.

With no options left, Sreenivasan wrote the script of the film, based on the story written by Priyan, and the rest, as everyone say, is history! The comedy film was a huge hit, which marked the beginning of the illustrious journey of Sreenivasan as Malayalam’s one of the greatest screenwriters. He, along with Mukesh and Jagadish played the role of three boys who tries to woo a womanizer’s daughter, those pivot roles played by Nedumudi Venu and Lizy respectively.

Let me add, Odaruthammava Aalariyam is not an original story. It is heavily inspired by the 1981 Hindi film Chashme Buddoor with some elements borrowed from Tamil-language movie Poikkal Kudhirai (1983). Chashme Buddoor too was inspired from Tamil-language movie, Indru Poi Naalai Vaa (1981). Many Indian films have taken this story thread – Three men trying to woo a single woman. Chashme Buddoor was remade to Hindi with same title years later, and Nayee Padosan (2003) also shares a common plot. Tamil film, Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya (2013) is yet another inspiration.

Aram + Aram = Kinnaram (1985)

Two Bollywood films – Naram Garam and Pasand Apni Apni have inspired the plot of Aram + Aram = Kinnaram, and also the English film Happy Go Lovely. This slapstick comedy film starring Shankar, Mohanlal, Lissy and Puja Saxena was a box office hit.

Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu (1988)

The story is based on the Marathi play Sasa Aani Kasav. It was scripted by Sreenivasan and adapted by Priyadarshan. The movie starring Mohanlal and Ranjini was a super hit at box office. The Marathi play has already been made on Hindi screen as Katha in 1983.

So, let me conclude this article with a Malayalam film, which was already made in Bollywood.

Author’s note – Thank You Sreenietta, for all the lovely characters you played on screen and all those interesting characters you wrote for us. Many actors & writers will come and go, yet no one can fill the void left by you. I have watched films across different languages. But I have nowhere seen any actor or screenwriter trolling himself and exposing their personal insecurities, except you. True salute to you, to show those vulnerable sides of common man on screen and winning hearts, instead of showing heroism and winning cheers from audience & standing ovation. Thank you once again.

N.B. I feel this list is still complete. If I come across any more film, I shall add later. Hope you enjoyed reading. Please feel free to share. Sreenivasan was such a great artist, who deserves a Pan India recognition. I really hope, more people will know about him through this post.