Intriguing stories adapted from literature have graced the Bollywood screen, bringing thrilling espionage, horror, and crime dramas to life. These adaptations prove the enduring power of books, providing unique and engaging experiences for audiences to cherish.
These compelling screen adaptations from literature exemplify the magical connection between the written word and the world of cinema. From historical dramas to dystopian futures, these movies brilliantly bring literary tales to life, captivating audiences across the globe. From heartwarming romances to haunting horror, these Bollywood adaptations from literature showcase the magic of storytelling, bridging the worlds of books and cinema.
Each film and series brings forth the essence of the original tales, enthralling audiences with their fascinating narratives.
3 Idiots: Chetan Bhagat’s ‘Five Point Someone’ Comes Alive: The blockbuster ‘3 Idiots,’ starring Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, R. Madhavan, and Kareena Kapoor Khan, is a cinematic gem based on Chetan Bhagat’s debut novel, ‘Five Point Someone.’ The film masterfully brings the humorous and thought-provoking tale of college life and friendship to the silver screen.
7 Khoon Maaf: Ruskin Bond’s Short Story Expanded to Elegance: Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘7 Khoon Maaf’ is an enchanting film adaptation that started with a mere four-page short story by Ruskin Bond. Fascinated by the story of Susanna’s Seven Husbands, Bhardwaj requested Bond to elaborate on it. The result was an 80-page novella, which later became the foundation of this captivating film.
A Married Woman: Exploring Manju Kapur’s Tale of Unfulfilled Desires: Based on Manju Kapur’s novel, ‘A Married Woman,’ this gripping web series delves into the life of Astha, a woman seemingly having it all, yet burdened with dissatisfaction. The show beautifully portrays the complexities of relationships and societal expectations, making it a must-watch for audiences.
A State of Siege: Unraveling Mumbai 26/11 from the Pages to the Screen: ‘State of Siege: 26/11’ is a riveting action-thriller web series that takes inspiration from journalist Sandip Unnithan’s book, ‘Black Tornado: The Three Sieges of Mumbai 26/11.’ The show meticulously unfolds the events and military response during the terrorist attacks of November 26, 2001, providing a gripping viewing experience.
A Suitable Boy: Vikram Seth’s Epic Transformed into Visual Splendor: Vikram Seth’s monumental novel, ‘A Suitable Boy,’ took on new life in the form of a captivating TV series by BBC. Directed by Mira Nair, the show boasts a stellar cast featuring Tabu, Ishaan Khatter, Tanya Maniktala, Rasika Dugal, and Ram Kapoor, as it weaves a rich tapestry of family, love, and societal norms.
Aisha: Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’ Reimagined in Bollywood Glamour: ‘Aisha,’ one of Sonam Kapoor’s most celebrated movies, finds its roots in Jane Austen’s beloved novel, ‘Emma.’ The film gracefully transports the essence of Austen’s work into the dazzling world of Bollywood, creating a delightful modern adaptation for audiences to cherish.
Bard of Blood: Emraan Hashmi’s Thrilling OTT Debut: ‘Bard of Blood,’ based on Bilal Siddiqi’s espionage novel, is a gripping Indian spy thriller series. It follows Kabir Anand, a former Indian spy, who faces his haunting past while leading an unauthorized hostage-rescue mission in Balochistan. The show is packed with high-stakes action and compelling performances, making it an enthralling watch.
Bhram: Unraveling Psychological Horrors: ‘Bhram’ is a psychological horror/thriller that takes audiences on a mind-bending journey. The protagonist, dealing with PTSD, embarks on an exploration of psychological, supernatural, and mythical realms to uncover a long-forgotten reality. As dark truths surface from the twisted past, the series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Black Friday: Anurag Kashyap’s Raw Take on Bombay Blasts: ‘Black Friday’ takes inspiration from S. Hussain Zaidi’s book on the 1993 Bombay blasts, delving into one of the city’s darkest chapters. Anurag Kashyap’s film has a newsreel and documentary feel that adds to its raw and deliberate portrayal of the underworld and Mumbai. The movie presents a gripping and intense narrative.
Cobalt Blue: A Tale of Forbidden Love: Sachin Kundalkar’s book ‘Cobalt Blue’ is making its way to the OTT platform as a Hindi-English film. The story revolves around a brother and sister who both fall in love with the same man, leading to the unraveling of a traditional Marathi family.
Devdas: A Timeless Tragic Tale: Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s ‘Devdas’ has inspired numerous Bollywood adaptations, each presenting its unique take on the iconic tragic tale. Filmmakers like Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Sudhir Mishra, and Anurag Kashyap have brought their creative spins to this classic.
Gangubai Kathiawadi: A Riveting Tale of Resilience: Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi,’ starring Alia Bhatt, delves into the life of Gangubai Kathewali, based on a chapter from Hussain Zaidi’s book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai.’ The film’s trailer has already won hearts, raising anticipation for its release.
Guide: A Timeless Bollywood Classic: R.K. Narayan’s ‘Guide’ gifted Bollywood one of its timeless classics. The novel’s cinematic adaptation was equally acclaimed, leaving an indelible mark in the hearts of movie enthusiasts.
Haider: Shakespearean Drama Meets Bollywood: ‘Haider,’ a powerful film that dominated 2014, drew its essence from Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet.’ Shahid Kapoor’s stellar performance in this adaptation showcased the seamless blend of classic literature with Bollywood drama.
Hello: Chetan Bhagat’s Impact on Bollywood: Despite social media trolls, Chetan Bhagat’s books continue to shape Bollywood. ‘Hello,’ based on his book ‘One Night At The Call Center,’ is one such adaptation that garnered blockbuster success.
In Custody: Preserving a Dying Culture: Ismail Merchant’s adaptation of Anita Desai’s novel ‘In Custody’ sheds light on the decline of Urdu and its cultural significance. This thought-provoking film portrays the language’s struggle for survival.
Junoon: A Flight of Pigeons Takes Flight: Shyam Benegal’s critically acclaimed movie ‘Junoon’ was based on the novel ‘A Flight of Pigeons.’ The captivating tale unfolds against the backdrop of historical events, showcasing the prowess of literature on the silver screen.
Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt Limited: Crime-Fiction Adventure with a Twist: Author Richa Mukherjee’s first-ever option deal leads to ‘Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt Limited,’ a screen adaptation brimming with crime, humor, and intrigue. The production house has acquired the rights to this exciting crime-fiction adventure.
Leila: A Dystopian Tale of Motherhood: Prayaag Akbar’s book inspired the Indian dystopian drama web series ‘Leila.’ Set in a totalitarian society, the story follows Shalini’s relentless search for her missing daughter, battling against a repressive ruler’s divisive regime.
Lootera: A Cinematic Ode to O. Henry: Vikramaditya Motwane’s ‘Lootera’ finds inspiration in O. Henry’s short story, crafting a captivating movie. The character of Pakhi Roy Chaudhary draws from the story, while Motwane introduces Nandu, the charismatic conman.
Maqbool: Shakespeare Meets Mumbai Gangster World: ‘Maqbool’ stands as a gripping adaptation of Shakespeare’s dark tragedy ‘Macbeth.’ With stellar performances from Irrfan Khan, Tabu, Piyush Mishra, and Pankaj Kapoor, the film weaves a tale of bloodshed and deceit in Mumbai’s gangster landscape.
Masoom: Emotions Unfold from Literature: The heartwarming film ‘Masoom’ finds its roots in Erich Segal’s ‘Man, Woman and Child.’ Director Shekhar Kapur’s emotional connection with the book inspired him to create this moving family drama, earning him recognition in the film industry.
Mismatched: When Dimple Met Rishi: Sandhya Menon’s book ‘When Dimple Met Rishi’ finds new life on screen in the form of the popular series ‘Mismatched.’ With immense popularity and a renewed second season, the show continues to charm audiences with its endearing storyline.
Noor: A Mumbai Twist to ‘Karachi, You’re Killing Me’: Saba Imtiaz’s acclaimed book ‘Karachi, You’re Killing Me’ transforms into the film ‘Noor’ with Sonakshi Sinha in the lead role. The movie takes a Mumbai-centric approach, offering an entertaining adaptation of the original story.
Omkara: Shakespearean Magic in Bollywood: Bollywood’s fascination with Shakespeare’s works led to the iconic movie ‘Omkara,’ based on the novel ‘Othello.’ The film’s powerful performances and unforgettable characters, such as Langda Tyagi and Kesu Firangi, continue to resonate with audiences.
Parchhayee: Ruskin Bond’s Haunting Horror Tales: Prepare for a spine-chilling experience with ‘Parchhayee,’ an adaptation of renowned novelist Ruskin Bond’s horror stories. The series delves into the life of Alisha Khanna, whose world is turned upside down after a devastating car accident.
Parineeta: A Classic Tale from Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay: Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s enchanting novel ‘Parineeta’ becomes one of Bollywood’s most special movies. The film weaves a beautiful narrative, captivating hearts with its timeless storyline.
Pinjar: Unraveling the Story of ‘Pinjar’: Amrita Pritam’s Punjabi novel ‘Pinjar’ comes alive on the big screen with the powerful film adaptation of the same name. The movie explores the poignant themes of human resilience and the impact of partition.
Raazi: Alia Bhatt’s Captivating Performance: Based on Harinder Sikka’s debut novel ‘Calling Sehmat,’ ‘Raazi’ is a Bollywood spy movie starring Alia Bhatt in the lead role. The film weaves a triumphant yet morally complex tale, leaving the audience with thought-provoking reflections on espionage, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Raazi: Meghna Gulzar’s Intrepid Journey: In a bold move, Meghna Gulzar adapted the book ‘Calling Sehmat’ into the critically acclaimed film ‘Raazi.’ Despite initial reservations, the film beautifully captures the intrepid journey of a young girl portrayed by Alia Bhatt.
Saawariya: When Dostoevsky Inspired Bollywood: Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Saawariya’ is a visually stunning film that draws inspiration from Fyodor Dostoevsky’s short story. Known for its unique blue-hued aesthetics, the movie is a creative adaptation of the literary work.
Sacred Games: Thrilling Neo-Noir Crime Web Series: Based on Vikram Chandra’s novel of the same title, ‘Sacred Games’ is a gripping Indian crime thriller web series that stars Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The show received widespread acclaim and popularity on Netflix.
Sahib, Biwi Aur Ghulam: Guru Dutt’s Literary Adaptation: Guru Dutt’s cinematic masterpiece ‘Sahib, Biwi Aur Ghulam’ is an adaptation of Bimal Mitra’s Bengali novel. The film, released in 1962, remains a timeless classic in Bollywood.
Samantar: Unraveling the Threads of Fate: ‘Samantar’ takes audiences on a thrilling journey based on Suhas Shirwalkar’s novel. The show follows Kumar Mahajan, portrayed by Swapnil Joshi, as he seeks to know his future, which is intertwined with another man’s past.
Saraswatichandra: From Novel to TV Series: The TV series ‘Saraswatichandra’ is a captivating adaptation of the eponymous novel. It brings the timeless love story to life, entertaining audiences with its engaging narrative.
Satyakam: An Unforgettable Tale: Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s ‘Satyakam’ employs a unique storytelling device through Naren’s narration. The film’s narrative style later inspired Mukherjee’s iconic movie ‘Anand,’ featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna.
SCAM 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story – Thrilling Non-Fiction Tale: Based on the gripping book by Debashis Basu and Sucheta Dalal, ‘SCAM 1992’ delves into India’s biggest stock market scams. The fast-paced narrative weaves together the lives of stock market players involved in the scandal. The franchise expands with ‘Scam 2003,’ directed by Hansal Mehta.
Selection Day: Arvind Adiga’s Compelling Story: Arvind Adiga’s novel comes alive in this captivating web series starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The Kumar family’s struggles in Mumbai after leaving their village are vividly depicted, making it one of the best book-to-screen adaptations.
Shatranj Ke Khilari: Paean to Awadh’s Culture: Satyajit Ray masterfully adapts this Premchand short story, portraying the bygone Awadhi and Nawabi culture of tehzeeb. The film uses chess as a metaphor for British tactics and subtly implicates the Nawabs in their own downfall.
Six Suspects: Charming Murder Mystery: Tigmanshu Dhulia directs this web series, adapting Vikas’ second novel, ‘Six Suspects.’ The story unravels the lives and motives of six suspects in a murder mystery. Starring Richa Chadha and Pratik Gandhi, this unconventional tale is eagerly anticipated.
State of Siege: 26/11: Retelling Mumbai’s Tragic Events: Based on Sandeep Unnithan’s book, ‘Black Tornado: The Three Sieges of Mumbai 26/11,’ this web series depicts the harrowing events of the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. A gripping and emotional portrayal that leaves a lasting impact.
Stories by Rabindranath Tagore: Timeless Tales from Bengal: Based on the iconic short stories by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, this drama transports viewers to 1920s Bengal. Tagore’s writing explores the intricate connections shaped by the flaws and quirks of human nature, leaving a lasting impact.
Tere Mere Sapne: Dev Anand’s Indian Adaptation: In the movie ‘Tere Mere Sapne,’ legendary actor Dev Anand takes the lead role in this Indian adaptation of ‘The Citadel.’ The film beautifully brings to life the essence of the original work.
The Blue Umbrella: Vishal Bhardwaj’s Critically Acclaimed Gem: Vishal Bhardwaj strikes again with another successful adaptation, this time of Ruskin Bond’s novel. ‘The Blue Umbrella’ received critical acclaim and even won the National Award for Best Children’s Film in 2005.
The Double Life of Ramalinga Raju: Business Biopic on the Big Screen: A renowned production house is set to adapt the intriguing business biopic based on the book into a film. ‘The Double Life of Ramalinga Raju’ delves into the life of the former Chairman and CEO of Satyam Computer Services, Ramalinga Raju. Nagesh Kukunoor takes the helm for this bilingual series.
The Final Call: Gripping Web Series: Based on Priya Kumar’s book ‘I Will Go with You,’ the Indian web series ‘The Final Call’ is a thrilling journey. The show captivates viewers with its gripping narrative and keeps them on the edge of their seats.
THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN: Unraveling a Mystery: Directed by Ribhu Dasgupta, ‘The Girl on the Train’ is a gripping murder mystery and psychological drama that boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Parineeti Chopra, Kriti Kulhari, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Avinash Tiwary. The film draws inspiration from Paula Hawkins’ 2015 novel of the same name, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
The Legend of Suheldev: Epic Tale on the Big Screen: Amish Tripathi’s book ‘Legend of Suheldev: Suheldev: The King Who Saved India’ is set to come alive on the silver screen under the direction of ad filmmaker Senthil Kumar. Marking Amish’s first book-to-film adaptation, he will also be actively involved as the creative producer, bringing this epic tale to life.
The Married Woman: Exploring Love and Relationships: Based on Manju Kapur’s book, ‘The Married Woman’ is an engaging Indian Hindi-language romantic drama web series. It delves into the complexities of love and relationships, promising an emotional and thought-provoking journey.
The Night Manager: Hrithik Roshan in Spy Drama: Bollywood heartthrob Hrithik Roshan takes the lead in the Indian adaptation of John Le Carre’s gripping spy drama, ‘The Night Manager.’ The story revolves around a former soldier, now working as a hotel night manager, recruited by a government espionage organization to infiltrate an arms dealer’s inner circle.
White Tiger: A Tale of Ambition and Deceit: Adapted from Aravind Adiga’s acclaimed 2008 novel, ‘White Tiger’ features a stellar cast including Adarsh Gourav, Priyanka Chopra, Rajkummar Rao, and Mahesh Manjrekar. The film masterfully portrays the cunning rise of a humble servant, who goes to extraordinary lengths to fulfill his desires.
This list is ever-growing as more books continue to be adapted for screens. METANABES is joining the effort by bringing some of the best Indian language books to the screen. Many more adaptations are on the horizon.