Books are more than just stories; they are gateways to new worlds. They allow imagination to run wild. In today’s digital age, where visual storytelling has taken over, Bollywood has
skillfully turned our favourite books into beloved movies. Adapting books into
movies is not a new concept, but it is tricky, it requires finding a balance
between preserving the essence of the book and embracing the dramatic flair of
Bollywood storytelling.
Adapting books into movies is attractive as the story is already loved and adored by the readers. Unlike a new script, a book-to-movie adaptation already has a built-in audience,
increasing the film’s chances of success. The challenge lies in capturing the
soul of the book and translating it into a cinematic experience that helps
readers to watch their favorite stories and worlds unfold on the big screen.
Here is a curated list of Bollywood movies based on books, these Bollywood movies try to capture the
essence of well-loved stories, with varying degrees of success.
3 Idiots
Book: “Five Point Someone” by Chetan Bhagat
Chetan Bhagat novels have
often found their way to the silver screen. Movies like “2 States,“
“Half Girlfriend,” “Kai Po Che!,” and “Hello” are
Bollywood adaptations of Chetan Bhagat’s books. “3 Idiots” stands out
as one of the most beloved movies based on his work. Director Rajkumar Hirani’s
magic transforms “Five Point Someone” into a relatable tale of three
IITians navigating the ups and downs of college life.
Haider
Book: “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare
Vishal Bhardwaj is a master
of Shakespearean adaptation, skillfully translating “Hamlet’s”
classical tale into the current conflict-ridden Kashmir. He adds nuanced
commentary on the region. Bhardwaj’s other Shakespearean adaptations include “Othello”
into “Omkara” and “Macbeth” into “Maqbool.” He is
a master at creating classical Shakespearean stories in the Indian context, his
movies are a must-watch for every Shakespeare and literature lover.
Lajja
Book: “Lajja” by Taslima Nasrin
Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, “Lajja” is a crime drama film based on the plight of Indian
women. Using satire, the film exposes the dishonor faced by women, drawing
inspiration from Taslim Nasrin’s work the Bollywood movie delves into the
challenges faced by four women in Indian Society. While not a box office hit,
it remains a compelling watch.
The Namesake
Book: “The Namesake” by Jhumpa Lahiri
Directed by Mira Nair, this
adaptation explores the journey of two immigrants, the movie shows the complexities
of identity, culture, and fitting into two worlds. The lead character, Gogol, struggles
with his name, and the movie takes us through the lead character’s journey from
rejecting his name and identity to acceptance.
Devdas
Book: “Devdas” by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s
“Devdas” was a top-grossing movie. Bhansali reimagines the classic
narrative of unrequited love through grand cinematography. While Bimal Roy
attempted an earlier adaptation in 1955, Bhansali’s version achieved immense success.
Bhansali also adapted Hussain Zaidi’s book “Mafia Queen of Mumbai”
into the acclaimed “Gangubai,” and his movie “Saawariya” is
based on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s short story “White Nights.”
7 Khoon Maaf
Book: “Susanna’s Seven Husbands” by Ruskin
Bond
Another successful
adaptation by Vishal Bhardwaj, “7 Khoon Maaf” is a dark comedy where
a woman, in pursuit of love, murders each of her seven husbands. She tries to
love them but when she sees a flaw, she ends up killing the man. The movie skilfully
portrays her attempts at love and the consequences of her actions.
Parineeta
Book: “Parineeta” by Sarat Chandra
Chattopadhyay
Another of Sarat Chandra’s
Bengali novels turned into a Bollywood movie, “Parineeta” narrates
the love story of two childhood friends. The film, directed by Pradeep Sarkar,
navigates through misunderstandings that lead to their separation. It is the
fourth remake of the novel and is a brilliant cinematic adaptation.
Bollywood’s commitment to
bringing literature to life on the silver screen expands the world of cinema,
bringing great stories to the masses. The list of Bollywood movies based on
books continues to grow, starting conversations about the art of storytelling
through books and cinema. Share with us the books you’d love to see turn into a
Bollywood movie.
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