Bollywoodization Of Romeo And Juliet | Under Lens

Recently released Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela brought epic romance of Romeo And Juliet back in focus in India. Though the film got hype for all wrong reasons, amongst the critics there was a nod of appreciation for Sanjay Leela Bhansali who came out of his comfort zone and came up with something so un-Bhansalish.

When Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak came, it was not the first film to explore love between children from warring groups. Earlier divides were for different reasons. There was poverty, there was religion and language. Like Bobby, Betaab, Love Story, Ek Duje Ke Liye. All these films had an element or two borrowed from Shakespeare’s most popular work. For example in Betaab, estranged family friends defined the core of opposition. In Ek Duje Ke Liye, language and cultural differences became the barrier. Love Story had an interesting take. Fathers of both girl and boy once loved same woman. Girl’s father though was able to marry her, was never able to digest the fact.  Moreover, there were screen adaptations as well like one made by Akhtar Hussein in 1947 – Romeo And Juliet. QSQT’s success opened up barrage of adaptations. In 90’s we saw many films on similar lines. Most of them hardly added any value.  

Ram-Leela adapted Shakespearean tragedy with gore of warlands in India. Based in a fictional village, Ram-Leela is about two warring communities confronting each other for over five centuries. Film might have disappointed many but it managed to check some points. At no point any character in the film was able to shake the faith these characters had for each other. Even when they were against each other, the burning passion was all over the screen. That was probably the only think that justified lust at first sight between Ram and Leela.

After Romeo And Juliet, its Hamlet time. Will Shahid’s Haider come any close to his father’s Maqbool?