Introduction
India has a long history of literary achievement that has long been an inspiration to readers. Indian authors have created a wide variety of works that have been well-received by people all over the world, from classic works of literature to modern novels. A few of these books have also been turned into films or television programs, which has broadened the stories’ appeal and won over new readers. The top 5 Indian books that were adapted into films or television series will be discussed in this article. These adaptations have promoted the original works as well as shown off the diversity and depth of Indian culture to a wider audience.
Books that were turned into movies and shows
Let’s take a look at the top 5 Indian books that were turned into movies or TV shows:
“The White Tiger” by Aravind Adiga
“The White Tiger” is a novel by Aravind Adiga that won the Man Booker Prize in 2008. The book was later adapted into a movie of the same name, which was released on Netflix in 2021. The movie, directed by Ramin Bahrani, stars Adarsh Gourav, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Rajkummar Rao. It tells the story of a young man from a poor background who becomes a successful entrepreneur by taking advantage of the corruption and inequality in Indian society.
“Sacred Games” by Vikram Chandra
“Sacred Games” is a novel by Vikram Chandra that was adapted into a TV series of the same name by Netflix in 2018. The series, which stars Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, tells the story of a police officer who receives a phone call from a gangster warning him of an impending attack in Mumbai. The series was praised for its performances, writing, and direction, and it quickly became one of the most popular shows on Netflix.
“2 States” by Chetan Bhagat
“2 States” is a novel by Chetan Bhagat that was adapted into a movie of the same name in 2014. The movie, directed by Abhishek Varman, stars Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt and tells the story of two young people from different parts of India who fall in love and must convince their families to accept their relationship. The movie was a commercial success and was praised for its performances and music.
“The Namesake” by Jhumpa Lahiri
“The Namesake” is a novel by Jhumpa Lahiri that was adapted into a movie of the same name in 2006. The movie, directed by Mira Nair, stars Irrfan Khan and Tabu and tells the story of a young man born to Indian parents in America who struggles to find his identity. The movie was praised for its performances, direction, and screenplay and was a critical success.
“Q&A” by Vikas Swarup
“Q&A” is a novel by Vikas Swarup that was adapted into a movie called “Slumdog Millionaire” in 2008. The movie, directed by Danny Boyle, stars Dev Patel and tells the story of a young man from the slums of Mumbai who wins a quiz show and becomes a millionaire. The movie was a commercial and critical success, winning eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Effects of these adaptations on the Indian film and television industries
It is impossible to overestimate the influence of book adaptations on the Indian film and television industries. By highlighting fresh and varied stories, these adaptations have revolutionized the business. The effects of these adaptations can be seen in the following ways:
- Increased interest from the audience: When popular books are turned into films or TV series, a pre-existing fan following is created that is more likely to watch the adaptation. This has raised box office receipts and improved audience attention. The success of the original material can be credited for adaptations like “2 States,” “The Namesake,” and “Half Girlfriend”.
- Diversification of content: The Indian film and television industries are renowned for their narrow selection of material. However, the book adaptations have incorporated a variety of stories from many genres, languages, and civilizations. As a result, audiences now have access to a greater range of content.
- Literary prominence: The success of the adaptations has also helped the source material gain literary prominence. In spite of the fact that books like “Sacred Games,” “The White Tiger,” and “The Suitable Boy” were already well-liked, the adaptations have elevated them to new levels of success and popularity.
- Career enhancement for actors and directors: The success of adaptations has also contributed to the professional advancement of the actors and directors who have worked on them. Adaptation roles have enabled actors like Alia Bhatt, Arjun Kapoor, and Ayushman Khurana to establish themselves as main actors. For their efforts on adaptations, directors like Vishal Bhardwaj and Mira Nair have received praise from critics.
- Developing a global audience: The success of adaptations has also aided in the development of a global market for Indian television and film. These adaptations have been able to reach viewers outside of India because of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, opening up a new market for Indian material.
Conclusion
Thus, these top 5 Indian books that were turned into movies or TV shows have captured the hearts and minds of audiences across the world. The powerful themes, compelling characters, and rich cultural context have made these adaptations a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian literature and cinema. Whether you prefer classic tales of love and sacrifice, or stories that delve into the complexities of modern Indian society, there is something for everyone in this list. These adaptations serve as a testament to the enduring power of Indian storytelling, and are sure to remain beloved classics for years to come.