7 must-watch period dramas inspired by popular books

Choker Bali (2003)

Rituparno Ghosh’s adaptation of Tagore’s celebrated novel explores love, jealousy, and desire through the character of Binodini, played brilliantly by Aishwarya

Parineeta (2005)

Based on Parineeta by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Pradeep Sarkar’s debut film beautifully adapts novel in beautiful love story set in 1960s Kolkata

Pinjar (2003)

A poignant depiction of Partition, Pinjar, starring Manoj Bajpayee and Urmila Matondkar brings Amrita Pritam’s haunting novel to life with great sensitivity

Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)

Based on Mafia Queens of Mumbai, SLB reimagines the journey of Gangubai, a brothel madam who emerged as a fierce voice for women’s rights

Padmavat (2018)

Based on Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s Padmavat, Bhansali’s film presents the legend of Rani Padmavati with sweeping visuals, dazzling costumes

Devdas (2002)

Bhansali’s Devdas is perhaps the most iconic adaptation of Chattopadhyay’s tragic love saga. With its opulent sets, unforgettable music, and towering acts

Bajirao Mastani (2015)

Based on Raau by Nagnath S. Inamdar, the film blends romance, warfare, and court intrigue with powerful performances from Ranveer, Deepika and Priyanka