Indian cinema has a rich collection of movie adaptations that their fans have widely appreciated. However, many adaptations are underappreciated. To restore the spark of these gems, we have compiled a list of 6 underrated book-to-film adaptations in Indian cinema that we love. Read on to add these films to your watch list of the best ‘Indian Movies Based on Books’.
The 6 Most Amazing Indian Movies Based On Novels:
1. Kapurush (1965) | Directed by Satyajit Ray
Based on: Janaiko Kapurusher Kahini (A Certain Coward’s tale) by Premendra Mitra
While most of Satyajit’s films have gained a lot of recognition, Kapurush’s credits are a little lacking. It is one of the most poignant film adaptation in Indian cinema and has dialogues that will be etched on your mind. It follows the story of a scriptwriter who finds shelter in a tea estate owner’s house. However, much to his shock, he discovers that her ex-lover is the scriptwriter’s wife. It is a tale of a love that could have been and takes the viewer on an emotional journey that will always be memorable.
2. Ek Doctor Ki Maut (1990) | Directed by Tapan Sinha
Based on: Abhimanyu by Ramapada Chowdhury
This film has immense social value because of its deep questions about social recognition: What is its value and price? The life of Dr. Subhash Mukhopadhyay partially inspired it and features the life of a doctor who discovers a vaccine for leprosy. Unfortunately, he is silenced and sent to a far-off village by his superiors in the health ministry. The cast, consisting of Pankaj Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Anil Chatterjee, and Irfan Khan, offers exemplary performances.
3. Kaaliyattam (1997) | Directed by Jayaraj
Based on: Othello by William Shakespeare
It is incredibly surprising and disheartening that a movie with such a creative take on Shakespeare’s play is not widely appreciated. It is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, set against the backdrop of Kerala’s Theyyam performances. Blending Shakespearean tragedy with folk art forms, it follows the life of a Theyyam artist who is sent down a path of death and tragedy because of love.
4. Pinjar (2003) | Directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi
Based on: Pinjar by Amrita Pritam
Pinjar is a very heartfelt film set during India’s partition. It very skillfully highlights the Hindu-Muslim problems during the partition of India. It delves into the complex emotional trauma experienced by people at that time through the story of a Hindu girl, Puro, who is abducted by a Muslim man, Rashid. When she manages to finally escape from Rashid’s home, her family disowns her, and she is left with no choice but to return to his home.
5. Kalyug (1981) | Directed by Shyam Benegal
Based on: Mahabharata by Vyasa
Kalyug digs deep into the psychology of the Mahabharata’s characters, examining their actions and motivations. It is a story of conspiracies, intrigue, and the inevitable conflict between two families. Kalyug’s modern retelling of the ageless epic “Mahabharata” turned the princes of Kaurava and Pandava into rival business houses. It also makes sharp observations on the implications of wealth.
Hey readers, did you know that Shyam Benegal is credited with creating India’s first crowdfunded film? Read more about it here — Re-release Of Manthan: India’s First Crowdfunded Film
6. Shubho Mahurat (2003) | Directed by: Rituparno Ghosh
Based on: The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side by Agatha Christie
This film is a Bengali mystery thriller, an iconic movie based on novel, The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side, that does justice to Christe’s portrayal of the criminal psyche. This foreign theme was not easy to translate into Bengali, but Rituparno Ghosh did a fantastic job. It explores the themes of love, revenge, and womanhood with a wonderful cast consisting of Sharmila Tagore, Rakhee Gulzar, and other prominent actors. The story revolves around a murder and a journalist who pursues the clues to uncover the killer.
Conclusion
It is not an exaggeration to say that India is a home to the ‘Book-to-Film Adaptations’ genre. And why not? India has been blessed with more than a thousand languages. So, can you imagine our literary treasury? It is vast and the most diverse in the world. No country boasts a culture and dialect like ours, where the language changes every kilometer. Indian Cinema has witnessed numerous Movie Adaptations, thanks to our literary resources.
Which are the ‘Best book adaptation movies’ according to you?
Also Checkout – The 5 Best And Must-watch Movies Based On Books
