🎥 Remakes have become a fascinating trend in Indian cinema. Successful regional films are often adapted for Bollywood with big stars, flashy songs, and a broader canvas. One such example is the Malayalam blockbuster Driving License (2019), which found its way to Bollywood as Selfiee (2023).
👉 In this article, we’ll dive deep into Driving License vs Selfiee – Full Movie Analysis, comparing the original and the remake through their story, cast, budget, earnings, reviews, and impact.
🎬 Story Synopsis
Driving License (2019 – Malayalam Original)
Directed by Lal Jr., Driving License is a witty and emotional drama starring Prithviraj Sukumaran as superstar Hareendran and Suraj Venjaramoodu as Motor Vehicle Inspector Kuruvila. The plot kicks off when Hareendran urgently needs to renew his driving license to complete a film shoot.
A seemingly small task snowballs into a full-blown conflict when Kuruvila, a devoted fan of Hareendran, feels disrespected. Their ego clash grabs public attention, turning into a media spectacle. With humor, satire, and heartfelt moments, Driving License explores themes of pride, misunderstanding, and the fragile bond between celebrities and their fans.
🌟 Supporting Characters & Twists
Both versions shine because of their supporting cast. In Driving License, Suraj Venjaramoodu steals the show with his nuanced portrayal of a fan-turned-opponent. His comic timing and emotional depth balance Prithviraj’s superstar persona.
In Selfiee, Emraan Hashmi provides the heart of the story, portraying a middle-class fan whose loyalty turns into resentment. While Akshay Kumar adds glamor, it is Emraan’s grounded performance that stands out.
✨ Major Twist: What starts as a simple licensing issue becomes a battle of egos magnified by media sensationalism. The humor mixed with emotional undertones makes both films engaging, though the original’s subtle satire felt more authentic compared to Bollywood’s dramatized execution.
💖 Emotional Highlights
- In Driving License, the raw and natural humor struck a chord with Malayalam audiences. The gradual transformation of admiration into rivalry was portrayed with realism.
- In Selfiee, the emotional scenes of Om Prakash and his family added Bollywood-style drama, targeting a broader audience but losing some subtlety of the original.
📊 Comparison Table: Driving License vs Selfiee
| Feature | Driving License (Original) | Selfiee (Remake) |
|---|---|---|
| Year of Release | 2019 | 2023 |
| Language | Malayalam | Hindi |
| Director | Lal Jr. | Raj Mehta |
| Lead Actor | Prithviraj Sukumaran | Akshay Kumar |
| Lead Actor (Supporting) | Suraj Venjaramoodu | Emraan Hashmi |
| Lead Actress | Deepti Sati | Nushrratt Bharuccha |
| Supporting Cast | Miya George, Major Ravi | Diana Penty, Abhimanyu Singh |
| Production Budget | ₹7 Crore (approx.) | ₹100 Crore (approx.) |
| Worldwide Earnings | ₹45+ Crore | ₹25+ Crore |
| Industry | Mollywood (Malayalam) | Bollywood (Hindi) |
| IMDb Rating | 7.9/10 | 5.6/10 |
| Google Audience Score | 91% | 65% |
| Awards / Achievements | Kerala Box Office Hit, Suraj Venjaramoodu won praise for comic timing | Flopped at box office, but praised for performances of Emraan Hashmi |
🎯 Conclusion
Both Driving License and Selfiee deliver entertainment, but they succeed differently.
- Driving License → Sharp, witty, and realistic.
- Selfiee → Glamorous, dramatic, and emotional.
👉 If you love authentic storytelling, the Malayalam original wins hands down. But if you’re looking for Bollywood masala with star power, Selfiee is worth a watch.
So, which version did you enjoy more? Let us know in the comments!
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