💡 Introduction
Welcome to Remake Review Series #20, where we analyze one of Bollywood’s strangest remake controversies — Bala vs Ujda Chaman. Both films released in 2019, both deal with premature balding, and both sparked debates about originality, comedy, and social messaging.
In this Bala vs Ujda Chaman remake review, we compare storylines, performances, direction, emotional impact, box office results, audience response, and more to determine which film truly did it better.
Let’s dive in!
🎬 Story Synopsis
⭐ Ondu Motteya Kathe (Original)
The purest, simplest, most heartfelt version.
More realism, less commercial packaging.
Focuses deeply on loneliness, societal pressure, and acceptance.
Bala (2019 – Ayushmann Khurrana) (Hindi Remake)
Bala follows Balmukund “Bala” Shukla, a confident young man whose world collapses when he begins losing hair rapidly. Known for his good looks in childhood, Bala struggles with insecurity, societal pressure, and self-worth. The film blends comedy with emotional depth as Bala’s journey forces him to accept that beauty and confidence come from within. Ayushmann delivers a heartfelt and humorous performance, supported beautifully by Bhumi Pednekar and Yami Gautam.
Ujda Chaman (2019 – Sunny Singh) (Inspired Remake)
Ujda Chaman tells the story of Chaman Kohli, a Hindi lecturer struggling with premature balding and rejection from marriage prospects. After being labeled “unattractive,” he tries multiple remedies and faces humiliation. His life changes when he meets Apsara, a confident plus-size woman who forces him to see beyond appearances. Though sincere, the film uses more straightforward storytelling, relying on slice-of-life realism and moral messaging.
📊 Bala vs Ujda Chaman Information Table
| Feature | Bala | Ujda Chaman |
|---|---|---|
| Year | 2019 | 2019 |
| Language | Hindi | Hindi |
| Director | Amar Kaushik | Abhishek Pathak |
| Lead Actor | Ayushmann Khurrana | Sunny Singh |
| Lead Actress | Yami Gautam, Bhumi Pednekar | Maanvi Gagroo |
| Genre | Comedy-Drama | Social-Drama |
| Box Office | ₹171 Cr (superhit) | ₹12 Cr (below average) |
| IMDb Rating | 7.3/10 | 6.0/10 |
| Google Audience Score | 85% | 68% |
| Industry | Bollywood | Bollywood |
🆚 Bala vs Ujda Chaman Comparison Table
| Aspect | Bala | Ujda Chaman |
|---|---|---|
| Storytelling | Stylish, comedic, emotional depth | Simple, grounded, moral-driven |
| Character Arc | Strong emotional transformation | More realistic but less impactful |
| Music | Popular soundtrack | Minimal musical appeal |
| Direction | Smooth pacing, strong message | Linear, sometimes slow |
| Commercial Success | Superhit | Average |
| Awards / Achievements | Won multiple critics & audience awards | Limited festival recognitions |
| Cultural Impact | Became a pop-culture reference | Gained niche appreciation |
🏆 Awards & Achievements
Bala
- Filmfare Critics Award – Best Actor (Ayushmann Khurrana)
- Best Social Message Film (various critics groups)
- Box office superhit with strong word-of-mouth
Ujda Chaman
- Appreciated at select film festivals
- Gained cult following for body positivity message
🧩 Is Ujda Chaman an official remake of Bala?
No.
Both films are based on the Kannada film “Ondu Motteya Kathe” (2017) and were developed independently.
However, the release dates caused a major controversy as both claimed originality.
🏆 Final Verdict: Which Film Is the Best?
If you want PURE story: – 👉 Ondu Motteya Kathe
If you want entertainment + message: – 👉 Bala
If you want a simple Hindi version: – 👉 Ujda Chaman
Overall winner (audience impact + craft): – ⭐ Bala
But the heart still belongs to Ondu Motteya Kathe.
❓ FAQs
Question: Is Bala a remake of Ujda Chaman?
Answer: No. Both films are adaptations of Ondu Motteya Kathe, but Bala is not an official remake.
Question: Which movie is the original?
Answer: Ondu Motteya Kathe (Kannada, 2017) is the original film.
Question: Is Ujda Chaman an official remake?
Answer: Yes. It is the official licensed remake of the Kannada original.
Question: Which movie performed better: Bala or Ujda Chaman?
Answer: Bala was a big commercial success. Ujda Chaman had mixed reviews and lower box office numbers.
Question: Which version is more emotional?
Answer: Ondu Motteya Kathe carries the deepest emotional tone.
Question: Which actor performed best?
Answer: Most critics choose Ayushmann Khurrana (Bala) for impact & range.
Question: Is Bala better than Ujda Chaman? (English + Bengali)
Answer: Yes. Bala is more polished and engaging. হ্যাঁ, বালা সিনেমা উপস্থাপনা, অভিনয় এবং গল্প বলার দিক দিয়ে আরও শক্তিশালী।
Read more Remake Review Series posts on Sultanee Blog to explore how originals and remakes (or thematic cousins) stand apart.