Bollywood movies that are based on novels

Although, there are too many Hindi movies based on novels. Some of the examples are- Kai Po Che, 2 States, 3 idiots, Dil Bechara, and the list goes on. But, there are some movies you might don’t know are inspired by novels.

Here, I am only saying “might“, so please don’t get offended if you already know.

Anyways, if you want to know about novel-based movies then read the list till last.

list of Hindi movies based on novels

Slumdog Millionaire

Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup’s “Q & A” novel is the source of the story in Slumdog Millionaire. A plot that slowly reveals the intention of the lead role for aiming to be rich.

The main role is a teenage boy Jamal from a slum in Mumbai. Each scene wrap with a new layer of mystery. The movie keeps engrossing the viewers till the end.

The Blue Umbrella- HINDI MOVIES BASED ON NOVELS

The Blue Umbrella is an Hindi movie based on Ruskin Bond’s novel with the same name. The entire movie gives off an innocent nostalgic vibe.

The script revolves around the argument between Biniya and Khatri, because of an umbrella given to Biniya, by a group of Japanese tourists.

I won’t give any major spoilers but the movie ends up with an amicable agreement with the two characters.

If observed closely, it’s noticeable that the blue umbrella mentioned in the movie is really just a metaphor. A metaphor of how the peace of life is destroyed for envy regarding materialistic aspects of life.

Saawariya

A Hindi language romantic film inspired by “White Nights”, a short story by a Russian Novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Saawariya is a unique theme that breaks the stigma of vulgarity around prostitution.

The main plot however is still regarding two one-sided lovers. Some similarities can be therefore found with, “Mar Javaan”. A bittersweet ending of a love triangle leaves a deep impression in the audience’s hearts. 

Omkara

Omkara is a crime drama adapted from a small excerpt of William Shakespeare’s “Othello”. Political crimes, a criminal gang, and an unrequited romance’s tragic ending. These elements mixed together turned out to be a classic.

The film won several awards including, National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards. 

Parineeta – HINDI MOVIES BASED ON NOVELS

Adapted from a romantic Bengali novella by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay with the same name. Vidya Balan debuted with this film as the female lead of the screenplay.

Vidhya Balan worst movies to date.

Btw did you know what is the difference between a novel or a novella? Here is the Difference between Novel and Novella .

A story with firm worldbuilding. The vivid emotions of forlornness of Sekhar, hidden infatuation of Koel for Girish. And close friendships between Lalita and Girish portray in a convincing way. It will take the viewers through an emotional rollercoaster.

The happy ending of which makes it a satisfying journey. 

Devdas

Another movie adapted from Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel. Devdas is a tragic story that depicts how some social customs in early Bengal stopped a pair of lovers from ending up in a blissful marriage.

Aishwarya Rai as Paro aka Parvati who is infatuated with Devdas confesses to him. Confused, Devdas, yet to see through his own feelings, rejects her after his father forbids him from settling down so early.

Later, when he realizes his own deep love for Paro. He is regretful and returns to make up for his previous mistakes.

Long story short, he fails to marry her. The film ends with Devdas drunk with sorrow taking his last breath at Paro’s doorsteps. Paro, pained upon his loss, tried to come out and see him for one last time. However, her family prevented her from doing so.

And it ends with dramatic imagery. 

The Namesake- HINDI MOVIES BASED ON NOVELS

The Namesake is an English language drama film based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s novel “The Namesake”.

The film revolves around a rebel teen Gogol who finds it hard to accept his Indian cultural background. His parents originating from West Bengal, settle down in the suburbs of New York which is shown at the beginning of the movie.

After his father’s death, there is a noticeable change in Gogol’s personality and he starts becoming more accepting towards Bengali culture. He finds himself growing distant from his American lover. He settles down with a Bengali girl of his mother’s choice.

Unfortunately, bored of being a housewife, his wife Moushumi cheats on him. And the marriage ends with divorce.

Gogol discovers his father’s diary and why he kept his name “Gogol”. Gogol moving on with life with his mom, selling the house in New York, and returning to Calcutta concludes the movie. 

Maqbool

A crime drama Hindi film based on a play named “Macbeth” by Shakespeare.

With Mumbai underworld as its backdrop. The movie showcases the life of a mistress of an old rich man, two corrupt policemen, and Maqbool, a right hand of a criminal.

Maqbool torn between his loyalty to Abba Ji and his love for Nimmi, Abba Ji’s mistress, portrays the emotions strongly.

The movies listed above are all painted with unique themes. Maybe not perfect for a relaxed evening but definitely worth a watch if you ever want to engross yourself into a hooking plot. 

List of South movies that took inspiration from Bollywood movies .

Did you know that these movies were based on novels? Or do you have any other movie in mind which is based on a novel and nobody knows about it? Then don’t be hesitate to comment.