Six Bollywood Films Based on Shakespeare Plays
Shakespeare’s stories enchant across ages—and Indian cinema has given them a vibrant, cultural twist. From Shakespearean tragedies to everyday humor and political allegory, here are notable Bollywood and regional adaptations that reimagine his classics.
Angoor (1982) – Twin Comedy Classic
A collage of the official Angoor poster showing Sanjeev Kumar and Deven Verma in various comedic twin-character poses, hinting at the film’s playful theme of mistaken identities.
Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak – Classic Bollywood Romance
A vibrant film poster featuring Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla in an intimate pose, with Aamir standing thoughtfully in the foreground—hinting at the film’s musical, youthful, and tragic themes.
Maqbool – A Mumbai Macbeth
An atmospheric still from Maqbool featuring Maqbool (Irrfan Khan) holding Nimmi (Tabu), capturing the film’s dark, operatic mood and the intense fatal bond between them.
Ram-Leela – Bollywood’s Fiery Romeo & Juliet
A vibrant still captures Ram and Leela entwined, dressed in ornate ethnic attire, against Bhansali’s rich palette—evoking the film’s intense romance and dramatic flair.
Omkara – Shakespeare’s Othello in Meerut
A tense portrayal of Omkara (Ajay Devgn) alongside Langda Tyagi (Saif Ali Khan) and Dolly (Kareena Kapoor), emphasizing the film’s dramatic exploration of jealousy and betrayal amid rustic settings and earthy tones.
Haider – Kashmir’s Hamlet Reimagined
A haunting image of Haider gripping his father’s skull amidst a stark, snow‑draped valley—evoking the film’s blend of personal grief, political unrest, and Shakespearean tragedy.
Ishaqzaade – Fiery Small‑Town Romance
A bold, dramatic still showing Parma (Arjun Kapoor) and Zoya (Parineeti Chopra) locked in a passionate moment—reflecting their heated chemistry and the film’s emotional tension.
