✍️ Introduction
In this Ratsasan vs Cuttputlli remake review, we explore how the gripping Tamil thriller Ratsasan was reimagined as Rakshasudu in Telugu and later as Cuttputlli in Hindi. Each version brings its own flavor to the psychological thriller genre—but which one delivers the best experience?
Indian thrillers are rarely as haunting and masterful as Ratsasan. Its intense psychological tension and storytelling were so powerful that it was officially remade into two other languages—and even unofficially cloned abroad.
In this Remake Review Series #4, we compare:
- 🧠 Ratsasan (2018 – Tamil original)
- 🔄 Rakshasudu (2019 – Telugu remake)
- 🎭 Cuttputlli (2022 – Hindi remake)
Let’s dive into how each version tackled the story of a serial killer targeting young schoolgirls and how effective they were in execution.
💡 Story Synopsis
🎬 Ratsasan (2018 – Tamil Original)
The original Ratsasan is a masterclass in psychological thrillers from Tamil cinema. Directed by Ram Kumar, the film follows Arun Kumar (played brilliantly by Vishnu Vishal), a young man who gives up his dream of becoming a filmmaker after his father’s death and joins the police force. His first major case leads him down a dark path—schoolgirls are being kidnapped and murdered in Chennai, and the clues are sparse and horrifying.
What sets Ratsasan apart is its spine-chilling atmosphere, psychological profiling, and character development. As Arun races against time to catch a twisted serial killer, the audience is drawn into a terrifying maze of suspense, red herrings, and raw emotion. The intensity of the storytelling, combined with Ghibran’s haunting music and exceptional editing, makes this film not only a commercial success but also a benchmark in Indian thriller filmmaking.
🎬 Rakshasudu / Gumnam (2019 – Telugu Remake)
The first official remake, Rakshasudu, is a faithful adaptation of Ratsasan, this time reimagined for Telugu audiences. Directed by Ramesh Varma, the film stars Bellamkonda Sreenivas as Arun Kumar—a police officer whose career takes a harrowing turn when he investigates a series of brutal murders targeting schoolgirls.
While Rakshasudu sticks closely to the original narrative structure, it introduces slight tweaks in pacing, cultural nuance, and dramatic delivery to appeal to Tollywood fans. Bellamkonda delivers a restrained yet impactful performance, and the tension remains largely intact thanks to the tight screenplay. Critics and audiences appreciated the remake’s ability to retain the soul of Ratsasan while giving it a local flavor. It was both a commercial hit and a successful thriller in its own right, proving that the core story had universal appeal.
🎬 Cuttputlli (2022 – Hindi Remake)
The third remake in this thriller lineage, Cuttputlli, brings Bollywood’s signature polish to the Ratsasan vs Cuttputlli remake debate. Directed by Ranjit M. Tewari and released directly on Disney+ Hotstar, the film stars superstar Akshay Kumar as Arjan Sethi, a schoolteacher-turned-cop working in the scenic hill town of Kasauli. Arjan stumbles into a disturbing case involving missing children and a serial killer with a disturbing motive.
While Cuttputlli keeps the skeleton of Ratsasan intact, it trades psychological depth for star power and style. Emotional trauma is glossed over, the investigative process feels rushed, and the inclusion of songs and dramatic tropes dilutes the thriller’s intensity. Despite Akshay’s solid screen presence, critics and fans agreed that the film lacked the haunting realism of the original. In this Ratsasan vs Cuttputlli remake comparison, Cuttputlli unfortunately feels like the most commercialized yet least effective version.
🎬 Info Table
| Field | Ratsasan (Tamil) | Rakshasudu (Telugu) | Cuttputlli (Hindi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of Release | 2018 | 2019 | 2022 |
| Director | Ram Kumar | Ramesh Varma | Ranjit M. Tewari |
| Lead Actor | Vishnu Vishal | Bellamkonda Sreenivas | Akshay Kumar |
| Actress | Amala Paul | Anupama Parameswaran | Rakul Preet Singh |
| Budget | ₹5–7 Crore | ₹15 Crore | ₹150 Crore (est.) |
| Box Office | ₹34 Crore+ | ₹60 Crore+ | OTT Release (Disney+ Hotstar) |
| IMDb Rating | 8.4/10 | 7.4/10 | 5.7/10 |
| Google Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.0/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Genre | Crime Thriller | Psychological Thriller | Cop Thriller / Commercial |
📊 Verdict: Ratsasan vs Cuttputlli Remake Compared
| Aspect | Ratsasan | Rakshasudu | Cuttputlli |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storytelling | Original, gripping | Faithful, intense | Diluted, glossy |
| Performance | Vishnu was hauntingly good | Bellamkonda did well | Akshay was miscast |
| Thriller Execution | Perfect pacing & tension | Good pacing, less creepy | Rushed and over-polished |
| Audience Response | Critically acclaimed | Commercial success | Mixed–negative |
| Overall Verdict | Must-watch masterpiece | Solid remake | Disappointing adaptation |
🌍 Global Remake Context
- Official Remakes:
- Telugu: Rakshasudu
- Hindi: Cuttputlli
- Unofficial/Inspired:
- Psycho (2021 – Sinhala) – Unofficial remake in Sri Lanka
- Several YouTube fan films and indie thrillers also mimic Ratsasan’s structure
📌 Ratsasan set a new bar for Indian thrillers and has inspired not just official remakes but also international adaptations.
🔚 Final Thoughts & CTA
If you want to experience the story in its truest form—dark, emotional, and psychologically intense—Ratsasan is unbeatable.
While Rakshasudu offers a worthy experience, Cuttputlli fails to thrill and feels like a glossy shadow of its source.
📢 Follow our Remake Review Series for more such detailed comparisons. Comment your favorite version below, and suggest which movie we should compare next!