From ‘Devdas’ to ‘Parineeta’: Period dramas that brought classic novels to life on screen

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Devdas’ is among the most iconic adaptations of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1917 novel. Known for its opulent sets, haunting music, and emotional intensity, the film reimagines the tragic love story as a cinematic spectacle. Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Madhuri Dixit lend depth and grandeur to this operatic retelling.

Pradeep Sarkar’s debut film ‘Parineeta’ delicately transforms Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s celebrated novella into a soulful love story. Set against the old-world charm of 1960s Kolkata, the film known as Paran Para in Bengali, stands out for its lyrical storytelling. Vidya Balan’s graceful performance, supported by Saif Ali Khan, along with the film’s evocative visuals, makes it one of Hindi cinema’s most admired literary adaptations.

Directed by Rituparno Ghosh, ‘Choker Bali’ brings Rabindranath Tagore’s complex novel to the screen with emotional sensitivity. Set in early 20th-century Bengal, the film explores love, longing, and jealousy through layered characters. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s portrayal of Binodini remains a highlight, capturing the inner turmoil and strength of a woman navigating societal constraints.

A sweeping tale of passion and conflict, ‘Bajirao Mastani’ is rooted in Nagnath S Inamdar’s historical novel ‘Raau’. The film narrates the intense love story of Maratha Peshwa Bajirao and Mastani, set against the backdrop of duty and war. Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra deliver powerful performances, elevating the epic scale of the narrative.

Though not a conventional romantic period drama, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ captures a bygone era through its setting and characters. Drawing from S Hussain Zaidi’s ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’, Sanjay Leela Bhansali narrates the rise of Gangubai, a powerful voice for women in Kamathipura. Alia Bhatt’s commanding performance and the film’s period detailing lend it a classic, old-world cinematic appeal.

Inspired by Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s 16th-century epic poem, ‘Padmaavat’ brings the legendary tale of Rani Padmavati to life. The film is marked by its lavish production design and dramatic storytelling. Performances by Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh add emotional weight to this visually stunning period drama.

‘Pinjar’ offers a deeply moving portrayal of life during and after the Partition, adapted from Amrita Pritam’s powerful novel of the same name. The film addresses themes of displacement, identity, and resilience with sensitivity. Manoj Bajpayee and Urmila Matondkar deliver compelling performances that anchor the film’s emotional core.