Shakespearean adaptations
The following is a list of 6 Bollywood movies that are Shakespearean adaptations.
William Shakespeare, the genius writer, has given us the most remarkable plays from centuries. William Shakespeare’s plays are full of suspense, excitement, and emotion. His work has inspired numerous forms of art.
This remarkable figure has also influenced Bollywood. The storyline of these films was based on a lot of inspiration from Shakespeare, and Shakespeare always remains alive. A Shakespearean tragedy has rarely had such a superb cinematic presentation in any language.
The Tragedy of Othello – Omkara
“Omkara” is a 2006 film directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak. It is a Shakespearean adaptation of the 1603 tragedy play “Othello.” Saif Ali Khan (Langda Tyagi-lago), Ajay Devgn (Omkara-Othello), Kareena Kapoor (Dolly-Desdemona), Vivek Oberoi (Kesu-Cassio), Bipasha Basu (Billo Chaman Bahar), Konkona Sen Sharma (Indu-Emilia), and Naseeruddin Shah (Bhaisaab) are among the cast members.
As a result, it is Bhardwaj’s second Shakespearean adaptation. This movie is also a political vengeance drama, similar to Othello, which was a critical and financial success and won three National Awards. This is an incredible performance that you should not miss.
Haider – Hamlet
Vishal Bhardwaj’s other Shakespearean adaptation — “Hamlet”. Vishal Bhardwaj directed and produced Haider, which he co-produced with Siddharth Roy Kapur. With reckless boldness, he transformed Hamlet into Haider while maintaining a level of treatment constraint that contributes to the work’s strong sense of beauty. “Haider” (2014), starring Shahid Kapoor (Haider Meer), Sharddha Kapoor (Arshia Lone), Late Irrfan Khan (Roohdaar), and Tabu (Gazala Meer). Shahid’s performance as Kashmiri Macbeth is excellent.
Although Hamlet is a tragedy in which the main characters die during the play, this does not occur in the Haider to maintain the Bollywood ethos. Haider is based in Kashmir and focuses on the region’s political unrest, and it’s a fantastic story to watch in any case.
Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela – Romeo and Juliet
“Romeo and Juliet”, a story by William Shakespeare, has been adapted many times by Bollywood. “Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela” is a direct homage to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed and produced Ram-Leela, which he co-produced with Kishore Lulla in 2013.
Virendra Pandey (Pankaj), Ranveer Singh (Ram), and Deepika Padukone (Leela) play the key role in the film “Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela”.
The story follows Rajadi and Sanera, two clans that have been in enmity for 500 years. In the Gujarati town of Kutch, a girl and a boy from rival clans fall in love. It was nominated nine times for the International Film Academy Awards for Best Film, winning two of them.
Maqbool – The Tragedy Of Macbeth
“Maqbool” is a film directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and produced by Bobby Bedi that was released in 2004. Bhardwaj also composed the film’s soundtrack. It’s a Shakespearean adaptation of the tragedy “Macbeth,” which first aired in April of 1611. Vishal Bhardwaj’s magnificent masterpiece stars Irrfan Khan (Maqbool), Tabu (Nimmi), Pankaj Kapoor (Abbaji), Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, and Piyush Mishra. Female characters are strong in both the play and the film. Macbeth is based on a desire for power, while Maqbool is inspired by lust.
Despite its poor box office performance, the film is recognized as a milestone in performance and direction. This breathtaking film about the mafia in Mumbai is a must-see.
Aan – The Taming of The Shrew
In 1952, Mehboob’s Khan “Aan” was one of the first Shakespearean adaptations. The film’s concept was inspired by Shakespeare’s famous novel “The Taming of the Shrew.” The epic tale of royal intrigue and proletariat revenge has the commoner-hero Dilip Kumar (Jai Tilak) “taming” Princess Rajshree (Nadira).
Shakespeare’s writing and Dilip Kumar’s filmography have a lot in common. This cheerful film, identical to the play, provides a pleasant break from more serious dramas. This is a must-see if you haven’t already seen it.
Angoor – The Comedy of Errors
Other Shakespearean adaptations of an over-rated play, “The Comedy of Errors”, can be found in Gulzar Sahab’s 1982 film “Angoor”. Angoor,’ which stars Sanjeev Kumar (Ashok) and Deven Verma (Bahadur) in double roles to make up for twins, is often regarded as one of Gulzar’s best films. Even today, comedy is famous and relevant, and this is a must-see if you haven’t already seen it.
Many people are unaware that ‘Angoor‘ is a remake of ‘Do Dooni Char,’ a better Bollywood adaptation of Shakespeare’s play released in 1968.
