India’s literary landscape is rich with stories that reflect the country’s diverse culture, complex social fabric, and emotional depth. As the digital entertainment revolution took over with the rise of OTT platforms, filmmakers began looking to novels for inspiration, resulting in gripping adaptations that brought these books to life. Whether it’s thrillers, historical epics, or contemporary dramas, many Indian novels have made successful transitions from page to screen, captivating new audiences. Here’s a look at five standout adaptations that highlight this exciting trend.
1. Sacred Games – Vikram Chandra
Netflix’s Sacred Games is a landmark in Indian web series history. Adapted from Vikram Chandra’s 900-page crime novel, it blends politics, religion, crime, and philosophy. The novel’s sprawling narrative provided the perfect material for a layered, intense series featuring Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Pankaj Tripathi.
Set in Mumbai, Sacred Games tells the story of Sartaj Singh, a troubled police officer, and Ganesh Gaitonde, a charismatic gangster whose fate is intertwined with the city. The adaptation cleverly retained much of the book’s complex structure, dark tone, and philosophical questions, creating one of India’s first truly global shows. The writing, pacing, and visual storytelling elevated the story beyond its literary roots.
2. The Suitable Boy – Vikram Seth
Vikram Seth’s A Suitable Boy is a classic of Indian English literature. With over 1,300 pages, it is one of the longest novels ever published in a single volume in the English language. The story, set in post-partition India, follows Lata Mehra’s journey as her family seeks to find her a suitable husband while the country grapples with political and social upheaval.
BBC and Netflix adapted the novel into a six-part series directed by Mira Nair. Though the series condensed several parts of the story, it retained the novel’s central theme of individual desire versus societal expectations. The series starred Tanya Maniktala and Ishaan Khatter and was praised for its visuals, costumes, and music, though some critics felt it didn’t dive as deeply into the novel’s layers.
3. The Scam Series – Based on ‘The Scam’ by Debashis Basu and Sucheta Dalal
SonyLIV’s Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story became a runaway hit in 2020 and redefined web series content in India. It was based on the investigative book The Scam: Who Won, Who Lost, Who Got Away by Debashis Basu and Sucheta Dalal, which detailed India’s 1992 securities scam.
With a sharp screenplay and stellar performances—especially by Pratik Gandhi as Harshad Mehta—the series brought the world of stock markets, fraud, and financial journalism into Indian living rooms. The book’s intricate documentation and real-life drama translated effectively into screenwriting, capturing the rise and fall of a man who changed Indian finance forever.
4. Leila – Prayaag Akbar
Leila, a dystopian novel by Prayaag Akbar, presents a bleak future where society is divided along religious and purity lines. Netflix adapted this gripping narrative into a six-episode series starring Huma Qureshi.
Directed by Deepa Mehta and others, the series follows Shalini, a mother in search of her daughter in a totalitarian state. Though it took creative liberties and received mixed reviews for its execution, Leila opened up conversations on authoritarianism, surveillance, and societal control. The novel’s haunting premise translated well into visual storytelling, though the series left readers and viewers divided on its treatment of such a nuanced theme.
5. Selection Day – Aravind Adiga
From the Booker Prize-winning author of The White Tiger, Aravind Adiga’s Selection Day tells the coming-of-age story of two brothers trying to make it big in Mumbai’s cricket scene. The Netflix adaptation starred Mohammad Samad and Ratna Pathak Shah, and although it didn’t receive as much fanfare as other shows, it still resonated with fans of sports dramas and human stories.
The novel and series both explore themes like parental pressure, identity, and the pursuit of dreams in a competitive environment. Adiga’s writing style, which blends realism with dark humor, found a decent reflection in the adaptation, though some critics felt it lacked the punch of the book.
Why This Trend Matters
Adapting books into web series is not just a creative convenience—it also highlights the evolving tastes of Indian audiences. Here’s why this trend is significant:
- Depth of Storytelling: Novels offer richer backstories and detailed character development, which translates well into multi-episode formats.
- Cultural Authenticity: Many Indian authors write with deep cultural nuance, which OTT platforms can explore without theatrical restrictions.
- Experimentation: With fewer censorship issues compared to mainstream cinema, web series can stay true to a book’s essence.
- Literary Revival: Book-to-screen adaptations often renew interest in reading and literary culture among younger audiences.
Other Noteworthy Mentions
- The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga – Adapted into a Netflix film.
- Hello (based on Chetan Bhagat’s One Night at the Call Center).
- Half Girlfriend and 2 States – While not web series, these popular books made their way to mainstream cinema, reflecting the trend.
From page to screen, Indian novels are experiencing a powerful second life. As OTT platforms continue to seek fresh, layered narratives, the literary world is proving to be an abundant source. These adaptations not only introduce powerful stories to broader audiences but also elevate the art of Indian storytelling.
Whether you’re a book lover or a binge-watcher, this trend is a win-win—offering compelling content, emotional depth, and a celebration of India’s literary wealth.
