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Ever wondered how a film made in one Indian language is released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam without being shot as five separate movies? The answer lies in a complex process of dubbing, adaptation, music recording, certification and regional distribution.
Usually, filmmakers produce one original version with a single set of visuals, performances, music and editing. Other language versions are then created from this master copy.
From original dialogue to dubbing
A dubbed version keeps the original visuals but replaces the spoken dialogue with another language. The translated dialogue is adapted to suit the target audience rather than being translated word for word.
This is important because jokes, cultural references and expressions may lose their meaning when translated literally. Dialogue writers therefore adapt the lines while preserving the original context, emotion and intent.
Who provides the voices?
The actors on screen do not necessarily provide their voices in every language. If an actor speaks another Indian language fluently, they may dub their own lines. Otherwise, professional dubbing artists are selected to match the actor’s voice, expressions, emotions, pauses and timing.
Some multilingual stars dubbing their own performances can also add authenticity and become a promotional advantage.
What happens to songs?
Songs require separate adaptation. Lyrics may be translated and rewritten to fit the original melody, rhythm and emotion. In some cases, the original song is retained, while a different singer may record the dubbed version.
The lyrics sometimes also need to match the actors’ lip movements, making the process more complicated.
Certification is required
Dubbed versions do not simply go straight to cinemas after recording. The theatrical versions must undergo the applicable certification process.
For example, the Hindi version of Toxic received an A certificate from India’s Central Board of Film Certification after certain modifications, including muting an abusive line directed at a child and trimming part of a drug-use scene.
How are versions distributed?
Having a film available in several languages does not mean every cinema will screen every version. Producers, distributors and exhibitors assess local demand before deciding which versions to release and how many shows each should receive.
As a result, a single Indian film can effectively become a multi-language release through carefully coordinated translation, dubbing, music adaptation, certification and regional distribution—all while using the same original visuals.