6 Indian Movies Based on Shakespeare's Plays

Set in 13th-century Kerala, this Malayalam film directed by Jayaraj adapts Shakespeare's "Macbeth" into the world of ancient warriors. The story follows Chandu, a trusted lieutenant who, driven by ambition and manipulation, betrays his leader to seize power, leading to a tragic downfall.

Vishal Bhardwaj's "Omkara" reimagines "Othello" within the Indian political landscape. The film portrays the destructive power of jealousy as Omkara (Ajay Devgn), a political enforcer, is manipulated by his envious subordinate, Langda Tyagi (Saif Ali Khan), leading to betrayal and tragedy.

Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, "Maqbool" transposes "Macbeth" to the Mumbai underworld. The film tells the story of Maqbool (Irrfan Khan), a loyal henchman of a powerful crime lord, whose ambition and love for his boss’s mistress lead him down a dark path of murder and madness.

Set against the backdrop of the Kashmir conflict, Vishal Bhardwaj's "Haider" is an adaptation of "Hamlet." The film follows Haider (Shahid Kapoor), a young man returning home to find his father missing and his mother (Tabu) remarried. His quest for the truth leads him to confront betrayal, revenge, and his own unraveling sanity.

Directed by Gulzar, "Angoor" is a comedic adaptation of "The Comedy of Errors." The film revolves around two pairs of identical twins separated at birth, leading to a series of humorous misunderstandings when they unknowingly cross paths as adults. Sanjeev Kumar and Deven Verma play the dual roles with impeccable comedic timing.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela" is a vibrant and passionate adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet." Set in a fictional village, the film explores the intense love story of Ram (Ranveer Singh) and Leela (Deepika Padukone), whose romance is doomed by their feuding families, leading to a tragic and dramatic conclusion.