From Devdas to Parineeti and more novels adapted into cinema, we have curated a list of noteworthy Indian films based on best-selling novels with each offering a unique blend of literary brilliance and cinematic excellence.
Movies based on best-selling novels
1. Guide
IMDb rating: 8.3/10
Where to watch: JioHotstar
About the movie: Directed by Vijay Anand, Guide is one of the iconic Bollywood film, starring Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman. It is based on RK Narayan’s novel, The Guide. The movie follows the story of Raju, a tourist guide whose life takes an unexpected turn when he falls in love with a married woman and eventually transforms into a spiritual leader.
2. Devdas
IMDb rating: 7.5/10
Where to watch: JioHotstar
About the movie: Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s directorial, Devdas, stars Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit. Devdas is a timeless tragedy that has been adapted into multiple films, but Bhansali’s version is the most grand one and a visual spectacle. Based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1917 novel, the film explores the self-destructive journey of Devdas after he loses his love Paro.
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3. Parineeta
IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
About the movie: Directed by Pradeep Sarkar, Parineeta stars Vidya Balan, Saif Ali Khan and Sanjay Dutt. It is based on a classic novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. It revolves around childhood sweethearts Lalita and Shekhar, whose love is tested by misunderstanding and class differences.
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4. 3 Idiots
IMDb rating: 8.4/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
About the movie: Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the film is an adaptation of Chetan Bhagat’s best-selling novel, Five Point Someone, and the movie became a cultural phenomenon. The film addresses the flaws in the educational system and follows the journey of three engineering students.
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5. Kai Po Che!
IMDb rating: 7.8/10
Where to watch: Netflix
About the movie: Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, Kai Po Che! stars Sushant Singh Rajput, Rajkummar Rao and Amit Sadh. It is adapted from Chetan Bhagat’s novel, The 3 Mistakes of My Life. It follows three best friends as they chase their dreams amidst religious tensions and personal conflicts.
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6. Haider
IMDb rating: 8/10
Where to watch: Netflix
About the movie: Directed by Vishal Bharadwaj, Haider stars Shahid Kapoor and Tabu. It is a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, set against the backdrop of the Kashmir conflict.
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7. Raazi
IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
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About the movie: Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal starrer Raazi is based on the novel, Calling Sehmat, by Harinder S Sikka. It narrates the true story of a young Indian woman who marries a Pakistani officer to serve as an undercover spy.