New Delhi: Shakespeare’s literary genius has left an indelible mark on the world of literature. His plays, sonnets, and poems continue to captivate audiences with their timeless themes of love, betrayal, ambition, and conflict. Shakespeare’s intricate characters and masterful storytelling techniques have influenced countless writers and filmmakers, transcending time and cultural boundaries.
In the realm of Bollywood movies, Shakespeare’s influence is evident. Filmmakers draw inspiration from his iconic plots and adapt them into vibrant Indian settings. For instance, “Omkara” is an adaptation of “Othello,” while “Maqbool” takes inspiration from “Macbeth.” These Bollywood movies skillfully reinterpret Shakespeare’s themes, combining them with Indian culture, music, and dance to create visually stunning and emotionally resonant cinematic experiences.
1. Omkara (Zee5)
“Omkara,” a Bollywood movie directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, holds great relevance with Shakespeare’s tragedy “Othello.” Set in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the film adeptly translates the themes of jealousy, manipulation, and betrayal into a contemporary context. The character of Othello becomes Omkara, a powerful and charismatic gang lord, while Iago is portrayed as Langda, a cunning and conniving opportunist. With its stellar performances, gritty realism, and effective narrative, “Omkara” not only pays homage to Shakespeare but also highlights the universality and timelessness of his works.
2. Maqbool (Disney+Hotstar)
“Maqbool,” a Bollywood film directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, holds significant relevance to Shakespeare’s tragedy “Macbeth.” It brilliantly showcases the themes of ambition, power, and guilt within the Indian underworld. The protagonist, Maqbool, played by Irrfan Khan, is a powerful henchman who succumbs to his desires and manipulations, much like Macbeth. Tabu, Pankaj Kapur, and Naseeruddin Shah deliver exceptional performances in this dark and gripping adaptation. “Maqbool” stays true to the essence of Shakespeare’s play while infusing it with the nuances of Indian culture and setting, making it a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
3. Haider (Netflix)
“Haider,” a Bollywood film directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, draws its inspiration from Shakespeare’s tragedy “Hamlet.” Set in the backdrop of conflict-ridden Kashmir, the film portrays the story of Haider, played by Shahid Kapoor, seeking revenge for his father’s death. The talented ensemble cast includes Tabu, Kay Kay Menon, and Irrfan Khan. “Haider” cleverly weaves Shakespearean elements into the narrative, exploring themes of revenge, political turmoil, and moral dilemmas. With its powerful performances, poetic dialogue, and haunting cinematography, the film not only pays homage to Shakespeare but also sheds light on the complexities of life in a troubled society.
4. Ram-Leela (Prime Video)
“Ram-Leela,” directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, bears relevance to Shakespeare’s tragic love story “Romeo and Juliet.” Set amidst feuding families in Gujarat, the film tells the tale of Ram, portrayed by Ranveer Singh, and Leela, played by Deepika Padukone, who transcend their families’ enmity to pursue a passionate but ill-fated romance. The film captures the essence of forbidden love, intense emotions, and societal divisions as seen in Shakespeare’s play. Bhansali’s visual grandeur, coupled with the stellar performances and soulful music, brings a modern Indian touch to this timeless story of love, tragedy, and sacrifice.
5. Ishaqzaade (Prime Video)
“Ishaqzaade,” directed by Habib Faisal, finds its relevance in Shakespeare’s classic tragedy of “Romeo and Juliet.” The film showcases the love story of Parma, portrayed by Arjun Kapoor, and Zoya, played by Parineeti Chopra, who belong to rival political families in a small town in India. The movie tackles themes of love, hatred, and societal divisions, echoing the essence of Shakespeare’s play. With its powerful performances, intense chemistry, and dynamic storytelling, “Ishaqzaade” captures the passion, sacrifice, and tragic consequences associated with forbidden love, making it a compelling modern-day interpretation of the timeless tale.
6. Angoor
“Angoor,” a Bollywood comedy film directed by Gulzar, is a delightful adaptation of Shakespeare’s play “The Comedy of Errors.” The film revolves around two pairs of identical twins, played by Sanjeev Kumar, and Deven Verma, who get entangled in a series of hilarious misunderstandings and mistaken identities. With its witty dialogues, slapstick humor, and stellar performances, “Angoor” captures the essence of Shakespeare’s play, portraying a chaotic and comedic tale of mistaken identity. Gulzar’s direction and the brilliant cast’s comedic timing make “Angoor” a delightful tribute to the timeless themes of confusion and mistaken identity in Shakespeare’s works.
