Page to Screen: Book to movie / series adaptation discussions - Page 11

Originally posted by: Satrangi_Curls

I feel watching movies based on Chetan Bhagat's books is a better option because honestly, I've read better stories/characters by fanfiction authors than the trash he dishes.

Really? Why is that? Which ones have you read? What are some of the drawbacks of his works? I am curious to know more.

Originally posted by: Chir-Cute

Thank you, Madhu, for the information. I have watched some of these movies and have enjoyed them too. I had no idea they were adaptations of Chetan Bhagat's novels. I, too, enjoy reading concise work. While wordplay is welcome, excess wordiness puts me off and I lose interest. So I guess that would be an advantage in indulging in his work.

@Vijay - Since you are a fan of the author, is there any book in particular, that you would recommend to be read first from his list?

Hey Chir-Cute,

Just to clarify, I'm not particularly a fan of Chetan Bhagat. I have only read two of his books: "Five Point Someone" and "2 States," If you're interested in his work, these might be a good start, but I can't say I have a strong preference for any of them.

Hope this helps!

Vijay

Originally posted by: vijay

Hey Chir-Cute,

Just to clarify, I'm not particularly a fan of Chetan Bhagat. I have only read two of his books: "Five Point Someone" and "2 States," If you're interested in his work, these might be a good start, but I can't say I have a strong preference for any of them.

Hope this helps!

Vijay

I see. Thank you for letting me know. In that case, I guess, I will have to take a leap of faith and read one of the two and see whether it connects with me on any of the levels.

Deepika

Originally posted by: Chir-Cute

Really? Why is that? Which ones have you read? What are some of the drawbacks of his works? I am curious to know more.

I read five point someone because of 3 idiots and honestly, rare occasions where I say movie was better. It would've been my first "Did not finish" book, it was that intolerable. Especially the way he writes women characters, they're too plains nd good for nothing within the story.

His writing is very basic, tbh. Nothing extraordinary.

If you wanna read Indian authors, try Amish Tripathi - Shiva Trilogy and Ramachandra series. I could give a list of contemporary stories/novels if you want those.

Hey Deepu,

If you want my two cents, the two books Vijay mentioned are the only two works I’ve read by Chetan Bhagat as well. Can’t remember much of Five point someone - I’d read it before I watched 3 idiots and there are like a few similarities. It’s not really an adaptation I’d say.

2 states is probably a more faithful adaptation and I definitely preferred the book. Found myself yawning during the movie. And I recall doubling up at the end wedding scene - the movie just completely overlooked the comedy of it. But yeah, I wouldn’t go into his work expecting any literary masterpiece.

The process of creative interchange between literature and film began to take shape slowly in the 19th century. Conversely, literature was nearly limited to print earlier, which has a shape that is more or less permanent. Literature and films are examples of artistic manifestations of the human intellect.

A novel's emphasis on the mind sets it apart from a film adaptation. Now let us see Tagore's writings and a few filmmakers' adaptations.

Among Tagore's literature, after his great poetry, his novels, short stories, and musical dramas are arguably the most well-known. His imagery, innate affection on nature, and understanding of human emotions and experiences would saturate his work with profound themes of love, longing, sorrow, and human reactions.

According to him, the moral and ethical purpose of writing is to make readers aware of the reality of the society they live in. He captured the inner cravings of a young widow, her longing and moral obligations that lead to conflicts in life, the psychology of human emotions, and the social conventions that bound women in that era—which are essentially the same even in the present day!

Many filmmakers continue to draw inspiration from Tagore's literary classics, many directors have explored the depths of the Nobel laureate's works while deftly incorporating their own distinct interpretations. These directors have a difficulty in creating a picture that is as visually appealing, believable, and fascinating as his stories are a class apart.

Here are some all-time great adaptations of Tagore:

Milan (1946) is probably the earliest Tagore adaptation made in Hindi. It is based on Noukadubi. Another version is Ghunghat (1960) .

Kabuliwala (1961) This is prabably the one Tagore story that has inspired multiple adaptations across languages and over the years.

Uphaar (1971) Produced by Tarachand Barjatya for Rajshri Productions, the film starred Jaya Bachchan This film is based on a short story named Samapti (The End).

Geet Gaata Chal (1975) This was another Rajshri Productions adaptation of a Tagore short story,

Lekin (1991) Loosley based loosely on Tagore's Kshudhit Pashaan, Gulzar directed this film that tells the story of a man, Sameer, who finds himself inclined towards a girl, Reva, whose existence is questionable!

Ghare Baire (1984), Teen Kanya (1961, and many more were adapted successfully.

Tagore, hailed as the most articulate feminist of his times, defined confident women as the protagonists of his stories who managed to be strong and defiant in nature while being cocooned in a conservative Indian society. The best examples are Chokher Bali, and Charulata.

Charulata (1964) This Bengali classic is one of the masterpieces of Satyajit Ray, based on the novel Nastanirh by Rabindranath Tagore. It's beautifully churning out the plight of a neglected young housewife, Charu. It’s a story justifying the morbid housewife’s inexpressible relationship with a young intellectual man who interestingly matches her interest of writing, while her husband remains indifferent.

Although the performers and director are excellent, the story retains its timeless quality of mysteriously moving the reader's heart. The book gives more glimpses of human weaknesses than the movie!!

Chokher Bali (2003)

Based on Rabindranath Tagore’s famous novel with the same name , the director Rituparno Ghosh did justice to every character in the story. The plot revolves around the widow Binodini’s mental growth. You can also relate to all the shades of traditions that suppress a woman’s sexuality and the unique bonding between two women which stands still against all odds and prevents things from falling apart!!

In this context, let me share a piece of art that our India Forums' Channel Moderator, Koeli, created, performed in, and directed. She is an amazing singer, dancer, and writer as well.

The subtle undertones of Binodini's emotions, inner turmoil, and fear of upsetting her friend were expertly captured by Koeli in this dance drama. (Koeli consented to share the video here, thank you Appy.)

: Have a glance:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFUb5sNFN4w

I gotta agree with Satrangi_Curls... I've read better fan-fictions than Chetan Bhagat's works. I also agree that it was probably the only book I would have ever left halfway (I didn't... but instead sped-read my way through it to merely finish it and not have it hanging on my mind ). The only reason I even read it in the first place was because it was a gift from a friend who knew I loved reading... and since Chetan Bhagat was really popular back during my teen years, she thought it would be great gift .

This is why I joked that we have more refined taste than that . So yeah... if you have got any other books in your TBR list, hit them up first... you can leave him for the last . You won't be missing out on anything great .

No offense to anyone who likes Chetan Bhagat's books. Everyone has different preferences and this is merely my personal opinion.

Originally posted by: ssttuuttii

I gotta agree with Satrangi_Curls... I've read better fan-fictions than Chetan Bhagat's works. I also agree that it was probably the only book I would have ever left halfway (I didn't... but instead sped-read my way through it to merely finish it and not have it hanging on my mind ). The only reason I even read it in the first place was because it was a gift from a friend who knew I loved reading... and since Chetan Bhagat was really popular back during my teen years, she thought it would be great gift .

This is why I joked that we have more refined taste than that . So yeah... if you have got any other books in your TBR list, hit them up first... you can leave him for the last . You won't be missing out on anything great .

No offense to anyone who likes Chetan Bhagat's books. Everyone has different preferences and this is merely my personal opinion.

Oh ,I did the same. He even came to our school for annual day function and I literally left halfway through as he started speaking. It was that basic

My classtopper was more than a fan of CB and she hyped him so much and when I read 5 point someone, I was more than disappointed. I went and told that topper you need to read better and gave her a bunch of suggestions.

Originally posted by: Satrangi_Curls

Oh ,I did the same. He even came to our school for annual day function and I literally left halfway through as he started speaking. It was that basic

My classtopper was more than a fan of CB and she hyped him so much and when I read 5 point someone, I was more than disappointed. I went and told that topper you need to read better and gave her a bunch of suggestions.

I can understand. Like I said, he was so popular back in my school days and everyone kept hyping him up... so I read the blurbs of a couple of his books and flicked through them... didn't find them interesting and decided to steer clear. If it wasn't for receiving one as direct gift (One night @ the call centre), I would have never read any of his books at all... and been much the happier for it . I've seen only one of the movies based on his books (3 idiots) and while I liked the movie as a one-time watch, it definitely didn't inspire me to read the book.

I went to like a small local school so we have never had anyone that famous come over . But if he ever came to my university, I wouldn't attend his speech either... especially given his recent political inclination . Thankfully, his days of being popular are over so I doubt that he would be invited anyway .

Glad to know you are helping people find better reads... . I haven't read many Indian authors either but Amish gets recommended to me a lot... I've been afraid of trying Indian authors after my experience with CB because the hype rarely matches up... but seeing you recommend it makes me want to give it a try. Let's see if I get around to it...

Originally posted by: Satrangi_Curls

I read five point someone because of 3 idiots and honestly, rare occasions where I say movie was better. It would've been my first "Did not finish" book, it was that intolerable. Especially the way he writes women characters, they're too plains nd good for nothing within the story.

His writing is very basic, tbh. Nothing extraordinary.

If you wanna read Indian authors, try Amish Tripathi - Shiva Trilogy and Ramachandra series. I could give a list of contemporary stories/novels if you want those.

That's interesting. Thank you for the feedback. I have had heard only good things so I was genuinely intrigued. But, yes, more than anything my intention is to read a book by an Indian author (not necessarily him - I mentioned him because I have had heard of him).

So yes, recommendation is always welcome 😍