Six Bollywood movies adapted from best-selling novels

Novels probably don’t need films, but our cinema surely does need literature for its creative growth. A few authors have achieved as much success in having their work adapted for the screen. Here’s our list of six best Bollywood adaptations of bestsellers.

Devdas (2002)
The Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Madhuri Dixit, is based on a Bengali novel by Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay. It narrates the story of Devdas, who returns to India after spending 10 years studying in London. He wishes to marry his childhood best friend, Paro, but his parents don’t approve of their relationship. Eventually, Paro marries another man, and the disheartened Devdas descends into life-threatening alcoholism.

Parineeta (2005)
The romantic musical drama, starring Saif Ali Khan and Vidya Balan, is an adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's 1914 Bengali novella of the same name. The film revolves around childhood sweethearts Lalita and Shekhar. Their love story turns turbulent due to Shekhar’s growing suspicions about Lalita and his manipulative father.

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Half Girlfriend (2017)
Starring Arjun Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor, this romantic drama is based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel of the same name. It shows how a small-town guy, Madhav, falls for a big-city girl, Riya, and wants her to be his girlfriend. However, she sees their relationship differently and suggests a compromise.

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Haider (2014)
The modern-day adaptation of William Shakespeare's ‘Hamlet’, stars Shahid Kapoor, Tabu, Shraddha Kapoor, and Kay Kay Menon. After finishing his education, Haider returns to Jammu and Kashmir and tries to get closure regarding his father’s sudden disappearance after a military raid on his house. His mother’s closeness with his uncle leaves him disturbed.

Kai Po Che! (2013)
Starring Rajkummar Rao, Amit Sadh, and Sushant Singh Rajput, the film revolves around three best friends in Ahmedabad, who start a cricket academy. However, their bond is put to the test due to tragedy and chaos.

Omkara (2006)
Adapted from William Shakespeare's ‘Othello’, the film revolves around gangster Omkara, who facilitates political crimes. He decides to marry his love Dolly, but his close aide creates a misunderstanding between them. Starring Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Vivek Oberoi, the film won three National Awards and seven Filmfare Awards.

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