25 July,2016 11:00 AM IST | | Ria Lawrence
Celluloid adaptations of three classic reads have greeted cinephiles this year so far. And a few more are set to release in the coming months
If you grew up around books, you will remember conjuring up mythical worlds, magical creatures and lands of far beyond. Back then, the idea of seeing those stories play out in front of your eyes may have seemed foolhardy.
But to the delight of cinemagoers, 2016 seems to be the year of classic novels being turned into a big screen fest. We had cinematic adaptations of three much-loved sagas hitting theatres in the first half of the year and more are lined up for release in the next few months.
Coming soon
The BFG
Based on: The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) by Roald Dahl
In theatres: July 29
The story: Often referred to as one of the greatest storytellers of all time, Dahl is known for his unexpected endings, vaguely dark content and victories by warm, kind-hearted people. Sophie, the orphan, from The BFG is one of the most indelible creations by the late author. She gets taken away to Giant Country by a friendly giant and they set out on an adventure to capture the evil, man-eating giants led by the Fleshlumpeater invading the human world. A theatrical live-action adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg made its way to our screens last week. The dubbed version in Hindi saw Amitabh Bachchan and Parineeti Chopra lending their voice to the much-loved characters.
Into The Forest
Based on: Into the Forest by Jean Hegland
In theatres: July 29 (in US)
The story: This is a powerful and mesmerising tale of two sisters who live in a crumbling house and struggle for survival. Rich with stories of hope and despair, the big screen version will see Ellen Page and Evan Rachel Wood portraying the sisters.
Queen Of Katwe
Based on: Queen of Katwe by Tim Crothers
In theatres: September 30
The story: Though not a classic like the others on this list, this inspiring, heart-wrenching story struck a chord with many. It narrates the extraordinary true story of Phiona Mutesi, a girl from the slums of Uganda, and her journey to become a chess champ. Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o stars in this biographical drama.
Beauty And The Beast
Based on: Beauty And The Beast by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve
In theatres: March 17, 2017
The story: First released in 1991, the fairytale grossed over USD 375 million worldwide and earned an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. The much-hyped reboot stars Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as Beast while legendary actor Ian McKellen plays her father.
Seen that
The Jungle Book
Based on: The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
In theatres: April 8
The story: Published in 1894, the book was a smash hit. The movie, which released this year, earned a staggering $938 million dollars. The classic tale revolves around an orphan boy, Mowgli (Neel Sethi) who is raised by a pack of wolves and befriends a bear named Baloo (Bill Murray) and a black panther named Bagheera (Ben Kingsley). Indian actors including Priyanka Chopra, Irrfan Khan and Om Puri were roped in to the dub for the Hindi version.
Alice Through The Looking Glass
Based on: Through The Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll
In theatres: May 27
The story: A sequel to Carroll's iconic Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, Alice finds herself immersed in a whimsical land of live chessmen and strange yet endearing creatures. Johnny Depp reprised his role as Mad Hatter and Mia Wasikowska continued her run as the smart yet odd Alice.
The Legend Of Tarzan
Based on: Tarzan Of The Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs
In theatres: July 1
The story: Written in 1912, this classic tale of a man, who is raised by apes after his
parents die in the African jungle, saw True Blood alum Alexander Skarsgård as the ripped Tarzan.
