Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas To Pradeep Sarkar’s Parineeta, 7 Unforgettable Period Dramas Inspired From Popular Books

Indian cinema has always had a rich relationship with literature, drawing from celebrated novels, short stories, and historical texts to craft visually stunning and emotionally stirring films. Among these, period dramas stand out for their grandeur, cultural depth, and timeless themes. Here are seven of the best period dramas inspired by popular books, adaptations that not only honoured their literary origins but also carved their own place in cinematic history.

7 Iconic Period Dramas Inspired by Popular Books

Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)

Based on: Mafia Queens of Mumbai by S. Hussain Zaidi
Sanjay Leela Bhansali reimagines the journey of Gangubai, a brothel madam who emerged as a fierce voice for women’s rights in Kamathipura. Though not strictly a period romance, the film’s 1960s setting, lavish production design, and powerful central performance by Alia Bhatt elevate it to a modern classic inspired by real-life accounts from Zaidi’s acclaimed book.

Devdas (2002)

Based on: Devdas by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
Bhansali’s Devdas is perhaps the most iconic adaptation of Chattopadhyay’s tragic love saga. With its opulent sets, unforgettable music, and towering performances by Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Madhuri Dixit, the film transformed the 1917 novel into a breathtaking cinematic opera.

Parineeta (2005)

Based on: Parineeta by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
Pradeep Sarkar’s debut film beautifully adapts the beloved novella into a tender, melodious love story set in 1960s Kolkata. Vidya Balan’s luminous performance, Saif Ali Khan’s charm, and the film’s lyrical visual palette make it one of Hindi cinema’s most faithful and graceful literary adaptations.

Padmavat (2018)

Based on: Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s Padmavat
Inspired by the 16th-century epic poem, Bhansali’s Padmavat presents the legend of Rani Padmavati with sweeping visuals, dazzling costumes, and a dramatic narrative of honour and sacrifice. Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh deliver compelling portrayals in this grand retelling of a timeless tale.

Bajirao Mastani (2015)

Based on: Raau by Nagnath S. Inamdar
A passionate story of forbidden love between Maratha warrior Peshwa Bajirao and his second wife Mastani, Bhansali’s adaptation transforms the historical novel into a visually rich epic. The film blends romance, warfare, and court intrigue with powerful performances from Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra.

Choker Bali (2003)

Based on: Chokher Bali by Rabindranath Tagore
Rituparno Ghosh’s adaptation of Tagore’s celebrated novel explores love, jealousy, and desire through the character of Binodini, played brilliantly by Aishwarya Rai. Set in early 20th-century Bengal, the film captures the emotional complexities and social constraints of its era with remarkable authenticity.

Pinjar (2003)

Based on: Pinjar by Amrita Pritam
A poignant depiction of Partition, Pinjar brings Amrita Pritam’s haunting novel to life with great sensitivity. Manoj Bajpayee and Urmila Matondkar deliver deeply moving performances in this tale of identity, trauma, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.

These seven films stand as shining examples of how literature and cinema can enrich one another—preserving history, amplifying emotion, and creating unforgettable visual worlds inspired by the written word.

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Varsha Tiwari

Varsha Tiwari is a budding content writer passionate about Bollywood, pop culture, and the stories behind the spotlight. She enjoys breaking down trends, celebrity moments, and film narratives into engaging, reader-friendly content. Always curious and observant, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Communication and Journalism. Outside of writing, she enjoys painting because storytelling doesn’t always need words to make an impact.