In this U Turn vs Official Remakes Full Movie Analysis, we explore how the gripping Kannada thriller U Turn was adapted into multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Each version presents a fresh take on the same mysterious story about accidents, guilt, and supernatural consequences — but which one does it best?
Supernatural thrillers that mix suspense with social messages often capture audiences’ attention across languages. One of the most iconic examples is U-Turn (2016), a Kannada thriller directed by Pawan Kumar, starring Shraddha Srinath.
The film’s innovative plot about traffic violations and karmic consequences led to multiple official remakes across Indian and international cinemas, including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Sinhala, Filipino, Bengali (Flyover), and Hindi. In this blog, we explore each version, comparing story adaptation, cast performances, production budgets, ratings, and audience reception.
📖 Story Comparison: U-Turn vs Official Remakes
U-Turn (2016 – Kannada Original)
A curious journalist investigates mysterious deaths linked to vehicles parked illegally on a flyover. Shraddha Srinath’s investigative performance drives the tension, and the film combines supernatural elements with realistic suspense.
U-Turn (2017 – Malayalam)
Retains the original plot almost identically. The lead actress Manjima Mohan shines as the journalist, while the direction adapts minor cultural details for Kerala audiences.
U-Turn (2018 – Tamil & Telugu)
A bilingual remake with Samantha Ruth Prabhu as the lead. Both versions keep the suspense intact, with minor changes to dialogues and character names to fit regional sensibilities.
U-Turn (2019 – Sinhala)
The first Kannada film officially remade in Sinhala, keeping the supernatural thriller elements but localizing settings for Sri Lankan viewers.
U-Turn (2020 – Filipino)
A pay-to-view adaptation introducing Filipino audiences to Indian-style supernatural suspense. Some plot tweaks were made to suit local tastes.
Flyover (2021 – Bengali)
Bengali adaptation starring Pawan Kumar’s direction, focusing on the same mysterious deaths caused by traffic violations, with Bengali cultural nuances.
U-Turn (2023 – Hindi)
Starring Alaya F, released on ZEE5. The Hindi version emphasized drama and suspense with a contemporary Bollywood treatment.
🆚 Comparison Table
| Feature | Kannada (Original) | Malayalam (2017) | Tamil Telugu (2018) | Sinhala (2019) | Filipino (2020) | Bengali Flyover (2021) | Hindi (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Director | Pawan Kumar | Pawan Kumar | Pawan Kumar | Pawan Kumar | Pawan Kumar | Pawan Kumar | Arif Khan |
| Lead Actor | Shraddha Srinath | Manjima Mohan | Samantha Ruth Prabhu | Local Lead | Local Lead | Local Lead | Alaya F |
| Language | Kannada | Malayalam | Tamil | Sinhala | Filipino | Bengali | Hindi |
| Production Budget | ₹5 Cr | ₹6 Cr | ₹10 Cr | ₹5 Cr | ₹8 Cr | ₹7 Cr | ₹20 Cr |
| Worldwide Earnings | ₹25+ Cr | ₹15+ Cr | ₹20+ Cr | ₹5+ Cr | ₹6+ Cr | ₹8+ Cr | ₹10+ Cr |
| IMDb Rating | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 6.8/10 | 6.5/10 | 6.4/10 | 6.7/10 | 5.8/10 |
| Google Audience Score | 88% | 85% | 80% | 78% | 75% | 82% | 65% |
| Awards / Achievements | Critics’ acclaim, Karnataka State Awards | Regional acclaim | Regional acclaim | Cult following | Niche viewership | Positive reception | Limited attention |
🏆 Key Observations
- The Kannada original remains the most critically acclaimed.
- Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu versions were closest to the original, preserving suspense and plot.
- Flyover (Bengali) and Sinhala/Filipino adaptations localized the story effectively for their audiences.
- The Hindi remake (2023) added more drama and stylization, but critics noted it lacked the intensity of the original.
🎬 Final Verdict: Which U Turn Remake Stands Out?
The U-Turn story has proven to be universally appealing, allowing it to be adapted across languages and cultures. Fans of thrillers will find the Kannada original and Malayalam version most effective, while casual viewers may enjoy the Hindi and Bengali adaptations for entertainment. Let’s find out Science or Supernatural what is the reason behind this?
🔗 Read more Remake Review Series posts on Sultanee Blog to explore how originals and remakes (or thematic cousins) stand apart.