✍️ Introduction
Welcome to Remake Review Series #3, where we explore psychological thrillers that got remade across Indian cinema. In this Forensic Remake Review (Malayalam vs Hindi), we compare the original Malayalam thriller with its Hindi adaptation, analyzing story, performances, and audience reception. Today’s spotlight:
From intense investigations to serial crimes, both films attempted to explore the mind of a killer—but did the remake do justice to the original? Let’s analyze Forensic Malayalam vs Hindi remake and their story, performance, audience reception, and critical verdict.
💡 Story Synopsis
🎬 Forensic (Malayalam, 2020)
Set in Thiruvananthapuram, the original Forensic follows Samuel John Kattookkaaran (Tovino Thomas), a sharp forensic expert who works with ACP Rithika Xavier to investigate child serial killings. The film masterfully blends science, trauma, and social commentary.
🎬 Forensic (Hindi, 2022)
Vikrant Massey plays Johnny Khanna, a similar forensic officer operating in Mussoorie. While it shares core themes with the Malayalam version, this adaptation adds unnecessary romantic tension, tones down darkness, and loses the emotional depth of the original.
🎬 Info Table
| Field | Forensic (Malayalam) | Forensic (Hindi) |
|---|---|---|
| Year of Release | 2020 | 2022 |
| Director | Akhil Paul & Anas Khan | Vishal Furia |
| Lead Actor | Tovino Thomas | Vikrant Massey |
| Actress | Mamta Mohandas | Radhika Apte |
| Budget | ₹6–8 Crore | ₹15–20 Crore (estimated) |
| Box Office | ₹23 Crore+ | Released on ZEE5 (OTT) |
| IMDb Rating | 6.8/10 | 5.5/10 |
| Google Rating | 4.2/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Genre | Crime Thriller, Forensic | Crime Drama, Melodrama |
📊 Verdict Table
| Aspect | Forensic (Malayalam) | Forensic (Hindi) |
|---|---|---|
| Storytelling | Tense, layered, and dark | Simplified and dramatized |
| Lead Performance | Tovino is controlled and deep | Vikrant is sincere but diluted |
| Emotional Core | Child trauma handled seriously | Lacks gravity, feels rushed |
| Psychological Angle | Gripping and disturbing | Muted and theatrical |
| Reception | Positive & acclaimed | Mixed to negative reviews |
| Overall Verdict | Strong thriller | Forgettable adaptation |
🌍 Remake Insight
The Hindi version of Forensic tried to appeal to a broader audience but lost the psychological edge of the original. While Vikrant’s performance was commendable, it lacked the tightly wound suspense and emotional gravitas that Tovino delivered effortlessly.
🔚 Final Thoughts & CTA
If you’re a fan of dark, intelligent thrillers with meaningful forensics and emotional depth, the Malayalam version is a must-watch. The Hindi remake, while ambitious, fails to reach the same psychological heights.
🔁 Follow our Remake Review Series to discover more Indian films that were reborn in other languages. Comment below—did you prefer Tovino or Vikrant?
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