Romantic dramas with intense emotions often transcend regional cinema, and Arjun Reddy (2017, Telugu) is a prime example. Its Hindi remake, Kabir Singh (2019), directed by the same filmmaker, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, brought the story to a wider Bollywood audience.
Both films follow a brilliant but impulsive medical student spiraling into self-destruction after a heartbreak. In this post, we’ll compare storyline, performances, box office, critical reception, and awards to see how the remake fared against the original.
Story Synopsis
Arjun Reddy (2017 – Telugu)
Arjun Reddy Deshmukh (Vijay Deverakonda) is a fiery, top-performing medical student with a short temper and rebellious streak. When his love, Preethi Shetty (Shalini Pandey), is forced into an arranged marriage, Arjun’s life spirals out of control. Alcohol, self-destructive behavior, and emotional turmoil dominate the narrative, highlighting raw passion, heartbreak, and flawed human behavior.
Kabir Singh (2019 – Hindi)
Kabir Singh (Shahid Kapoor) mirrors Arjun’s fiery personality, with his girlfriend Preeti (Kiara Advani) marrying someone else due to parental pressure. The Bollywood adaptation stays largely faithful to the original, though some scenes were adjusted for Hindi audiences. The film emphasizes intense romance, angst, and high-voltage drama, while Shahid’s portrayal adds a larger-than-life emotional intensity.
Comparison Table: Arjun Reddy vs Kabir Singh
| Feature | Arjun Reddy (Original) | Kabir Singh (Remake) |
|---|---|---|
| Year of Release | 2017 | 2019 |
| Language | Telugu | Hindi |
| Director | Sandeep Reddy Vanga | Sandeep Reddy Vanga |
| Lead Actor | Vijay Deverakonda | Shahid Kapoor |
| Lead Actress | Shalini Pandey | Kiara Advani |
| Supporting Cast | Priyadarshi, Rahul Ramakrishna | Nikita Dutta, Soham Majumdar |
| Production Budget | ₹25 Crore | ₹50 Crore |
| Worldwide Earnings | ₹72+ Crore | ₹379+ Crore |
| Industry | Tollywood | Bollywood |
| IMDb Rating | 8.1/10 | 7.1/10 |
| Google Audience Score | 89% | 85% |
| Awards / Achievements | SIIMA Best Actor (Vijay), Filmfare Critics Award Telugu | Filmfare Best Actor (Shahid Kapoor), Box Office Hit |
Performances & Adaptation
- Vijay vs Shahid Kapoor – Vijay’s raw energy and rebellious charm defined the original; Shahid’s portrayal is more intense and cinematic, catering to Bollywood’s grandeur.
- Romantic Dynamics – Shalini Pandey’s subtle performance contrasted with Kiara Advani’s more expressive Bollywood style.
- Flaws & Controversy – Both films faced discussions about glorification of toxic behavior, but Kabir Singh amplified drama for a Hindi audience.
Box Office & Reception
- Arjun Reddy became a cult classic in Telugu cinema, praised for its bold narrative and unconventional storytelling.
- Kabir Singh smashed box office records, becoming one of 2019’s biggest hits, though it also faced critical debates over character behavior and gender portrayal.
Conclusion
Both films depict love, heartbreak, and self-destruction with uncompromising intensity. Arjun Reddy remains a Telugu cult classic, while Kabir Singh translates the same story into Bollywood spectacle with massive commercial success. Fans of passionate, character-driven romance can appreciate both for their respective cinematic strengths.
🔗 Read more Remake Review Series posts on Sultanee Blog to explore how originals and remakes (or thematic cousins) stand apart.