Many hindi films based on novels also carry a certain cultural and social significance. 'Parineeta' not only tells a love story but also gives insights into the Bengali society of that time, including its traditions, values, and class differences. It reflects the essence of the novel which was set in a particular cultural context.
They tend to have rich characterizations. Just like in novels, the characters in these hindi films are given detailed backstories and personalities. In '3 Idiots', each character has their own dreams, fears, and motivations which are gradually revealed throughout the film.
One characteristic is that they often bring a global or Western - influenced story to the Indian audience in a more relatable way. For example, when 'Slumdog Millionaire' was made into a Hindi - influenced film, it incorporated the local culture and language while still keeping the essence of the English - novel - based story.
Often, they retain the core themes of the novels. For instance, if the novel is about friendship like 'Five Point Someone', the film '3 Idiots' also emphasizes that. They also tend to use the same character archetypes. In 'The 3 Mistakes of My Life' and its film adaptation 'Kai Po Che!', the main characters' naivete and ambition are carried over.
Hindi films based on famous novels also tend to have a certain depth in terms of themes. Whether it is love, social issues, or personal growth as seen in 'Guide', the themes are explored more thoroughly as they are already explored in the source novels. This gives the films an added layer of meaning and makes them more than just entertainment.
These films may also have a unique narrative style. They might use the short - story - like structure to tell the story in a non - linear way or with a lot of flashbacks. 'Paan Singh Tomar' uses flashbacks to tell the story of the athlete's past and how he ended up in his present situation, which gives the film a more complex and engaging narrative.
They often have a strong focus on the psychological states of the characters. Since Dostoevsky's novels are full of deep - seated emotions and moral quandaries, the films try to mirror that.
These films also often inherit the cultural and social themes from the novels. If the novel was exploring certain social issues or cultural traditions of Bengal, the film adaptation will also do the same. They can act as a medium to preserve and promote Bengali literature and culture as well.
Often, Bollywood films based on novels have the opportunity to explore deeper themes. Take 'PK' for instance. It was able to dig into the themes of religious intolerance and blind faith because it was based on a concept that had been thought - out in a more elaborate way in a novel - like form. This allows the filmmakers to create a more thought - provoking and engaging film compared to an original screenplay that might not have had the same level of in - depth exploration.
One characteristic is that they often have rich storylines. Since novels usually have complex plots and well - developed characters, films based on them inherit these qualities. For example, in 'War and Peace' the film adaptation tries to capture the many storylines and the large cast of characters from the novel. Another characteristic is the potential for strong themes. Novels often deal with deep themes like love, morality, and society, and the films can bring these to a wider audience. '1984' the film, based on George Orwell's novel, is a great example of exploring themes of totalitarianism.
One of the most famous is 'Guide'. It's based on R.K. Narayan's novel. The film beautifully captures the essence of the novel. Then there's 'Devdas'. The story of the tragic hero Devdas has been a popular one in literature and has been translated well onto the silver screen through different versions of the film.
Character development can be more unique. In 'Skyfall', we see a deeper exploration of Bond's relationship with M, which might not have been possible if the film was strictly based on a novel. They can create new emotional arcs for Bond and other characters, making the films stand out on their own in the Bond franchise.