A Comparative Analysis of RK Narayan's "The Guide" and Bollywood's "Guide"

Abstract

Literary adaptations have been predominant in cinema for decades, with stories being reconceptualized for the film to captivate audiences in new ways. Indian cinema is no exception to this and one such well known adaptation is RK Narayan's novel The Guide into a film. This paper delves into the transformation of R K Narayan's novel "The Guide" into the epochal Bollywood film "Guide" directed by Vijay Anand. Through a comparative analysis, this study explores the differences and similarities between the two, examining how the cinematic adaptation reshapes the narrative, characters, themes, and overall essence of Narayan's original work. By dissecting the creative choices made in bringing the novel to life on screen, this paper aims to highlight the nuances of adaptation in Indian cinema.