5 William Shakespeare Adaptations Which Are A Treat For Your Eyes

Here are a few Bollywood adaptations of William Shakespeare’s stories which every fan of the bard would love to watch on screen.

Prateek Sur

Updated on: 13 September 2023 3:42 pm

A Still From 'Yeh Shaadi Nahi Ho Sakti'

William Shakespeare’s timeless tales have not only captivated audiences for centuries but have also served as a rich source of inspiration for filmmakers around the world. One fascinating facet of this influence can be seen in Indian cinema, where filmmakers have taken Shakespeare’s classic works and given them a vibrant, contemporary twist.

These adaptations bring fresh life to age-old stories while treating viewers to a visual and emotional feast. It offers a captivating fusion of Shakespearean drama and the rich tapestry of Indian culture, making them a true cinematic treat for audiences worldwide.

‘Yeh Shaadi Nahi Ho Sakti’ (Zee5)

Drawing inspiration from Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, ‘Taming Of The Shrew’, ‘Yeh Shaadi Nahi Ho Sakti’ introduces us to Lakshman’s comical endeavour to arrange a match between his girlfriend’s elder sister and an NRI to smooth the path to their own union. This Desi reimagining adds a dash of humour to the original narrative.

‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’ (Zee5)

‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’ is an iconic Bollywood adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragic love story, ‘Romeo And Juliet’?. Starring Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla, this film blends youthful romance with picturesque landscapes and soul-stirring music. The lush fields of India’s countryside provide a stunning backdrop to this tale of love and destiny, making it a visual and emotional rollercoaster.

‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram Leela’ (Amazon Prime Video)

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s films are recognized for being extravagant and visually extraordinary, and Ram Leela is no different. The main leads in this Bollywood adaptation of Romeo and Juliet are none other than the real-life Romeo and Juliet Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. The film is an amazing spectacle, with grand sets, bright costumes, and stunning photography that captures the essence of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy in the middle of India’s rich cultural tapestry.

‘Omkara’ (Jio Cinema)

Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘Omkara’ is a gritty and intense adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’. Set in the heartland of India, the film explores themes of jealousy and betrayal amidst a backdrop of rural landscapes and political intrigue. The cinematography beautifully captures the raw emotions of the characters and the rugged beauty of the Indian heartland, making Omkara a visually compelling and emotionally charged experience.

‘Haider’ (Netflix)

‘Haider’ by Vishal Bhardwaj is a stunning adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’, set in the conflict-torn area of Kashmir. The film features amazing cinematography that portrays the breathtaking vistas of the region, as well as a captivating narrative that represents the individuals’ complex emotions and political conflict. Shahid Kapoor’s performance as the main character is outstanding, transforming Haider into a visual and emotional masterpiece.

So without further ado, immerse yourself in the magic of Bollywood’s Shakespearean adaptations.