Top Bollywood Movies Based on Popular Indian Novels and Why You Should Watch Them

Bollywood directors have time and again been inspired by literature and turned it into memorable movies. From timeless classics to modern ones, these adaptations prove that good stories can transcend mediums and win over audiences.

Here’s a look at the top Bollywood movies inspired by Indian novels, and why we think you should watch them.

Devdas, adapted from Devdas by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay

Devdas has been reimagined for the big screen multiple times, including P.C. Barua’s 1935 classic to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s iconic 2002 production starring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit.

Read: Devdas Turns 22! 10+ Timeless Dialogues From The Shah Rukh Khan Movie To Revisit

The 2002 became a blockbuster hit, with its music, scenes and dialogues gaining pop culture momentum over and over again.

Devdas, Paro, and Chandramukhi became household names. The tragedy and heartbreak pulled at heartstrings, while the music, sets and choreography stood out for their opulence.

2 States (2014) – Based on 2 States by Chetan Bhagat

Fun-filled, with great music, and sequences, this Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt starrer incorporated Chetan Bhagat’s typical wit on screen, to make it one of the most loved releases of the year.

 

 

 

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The romantic comedy-drama, directed by Abhishek Varma, follows the story of cross-cultural couple Krish and Ananya, who meet while in college, and then take on the task of convincing their very different families to approve their marriage. The narrative is light-hearted but also relatable, for it’s take on different cultures and communities in India.

Did you know this was a semi-autobiographical novel for Chetan Bhagat?

The Namesake (2006) – Based on The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

A brilliant book and an equally good adaptation, The Namesake starring Irrfan Khan, Tabu, and Kal Penn is a classic. Directed by Mira Nair, The Namesake is a moving exploration of identity, family, love, and the immigrant experience.

The performances are the highlight in the movie – they are deep, tender, explorative, and leave a long-lasting impression.

Kai Po Che! (2013) – Based on The 3 Mistakes of My Life by Chetan Bhagat

Kai Po Che tells the story of three friends who have big dreams but are tested along the way. The three friends are played by Sushant Singh Rajput, Rajkummar Rao, and Amit Sadh, and they share a lovely camaraderie that makes the movie very wholesome. They dream of starting a cricket academy, but find obstacles in the form of political unrest, communal tension, and personal ambitions.

Read: 25+ Love Quotes From Chetan Bhagat Books To Share With Your Partner

The film is a great exploration of the themes of friendship and life in India.

Parineeta (2005) – Based on Parineeta by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay

Another gem from Sarat Chandra’s works, Parineeta marked actress Vidya Balan’s debut in Bollywood.

 

 

 

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The film is set in 1960s Kolkata, and shows the tender yet complicated love story of Lalita (Vidya Balan) and Shekhar (Saif Ali Khan). Its beautiful performances and portrayal of erstwhile Kolkata won hearts across the nation.

Have you watched these movies? Tell us which is your favourite, in the comments below.