From groundbreaking storytelling to adapted masterpieces, the world of film and television has thrived on both original ideas and reimagined classics. Across Pakistan, India, and America, adaptations have become increasingly popular, with novels, real-life events, and even classic plays inspiring some of the biggest hits.Does this signal the end of originality? Not quite. While adaptations often outnumber original works, fresh storytelling continues to make its mark on both the big and small screens. Let’s put your knowledge to the test—can you tell which productions were adapted and which were entirely original?

1. Which of the following films features a completely original script, not adapted from any pre-existing source?

a) Bin Roye

b) Umro Ayyar - A New Beginning

c) Parwaaz Hai Junoon

d) Laal Kabootar

3. Which of these Christopher Nolan films is based on an original concept and not adapted from a book or real-life event?

a) Dunkirk

b) The Prestige

c) Tenet

d) Oppenheimer

5. Which Hollywood film, despite its complex narrative, was based on a novel rather than being an original idea?

a) The Matrix

b) Shutter Island

c) Terminator 2: Judgment Day

d) Inception

2. Vishal Bhardwaj is renowned for adapting Shakespeare’s works into
Indian films. Which of the
following is not a film based on a Shakespearean play?

a) Maqbool

b) Omkara

c) Kaminey

d) Haider

4. Which Pakistani drama, adapted from a novel or a play by Umera Ahmed, became one of the most popular television series in modern history?

a) Dastaan

b) Zindagi Gulzar Hai

c) Nikhar Gaye Gulab Sare

d) Shehr-e-Zaat

6. One of Pakistan’s most acclaimed filmmakers, Shoaib Mansoor, is known for thought-provoking cinema. Which of his films was not adapted from a book?

a) Bol

b) Khuda Kay Liye

c) Verna

d) All of the above

7. Which Hollywood director is best known for adapting works of classic literature into visually striking films?

a) Quentin Tarantino

b) Martin Scorsese

c) Greta Gerwig

d) David Fincher

Answers

1. The correct answer is d.

Laal Kabootar is an original crime thriller set in Karachi that captivated audiences with its gripping storytelling. Directed by Kamal Khan and written by Ali Abbas Naqvi, the film stars Ahmed Ali Akbar, Ali Kazmi, and Mansha Pasha in pivotal roles. In contrast, Bin Roye is an adaptation of Farhat Ishtiaq’s Bin Roye Ansoo, Parwaaz Hai Junoon pays homage to the Pakistan Air Force with its narrative based on real-life events, and Umro Ayyar - A New Beginning is based on the Persian-Urdu novel character Umro Ayyar from Hamzanama.

2. The correct answer is c.

While Vishal Bhardwaj’s Maqbool (Macbeth), Omkara (Othello), and Haider (Hamlet) are well-known Shakespearean adaptations, Kaminey is an original screenplay blending crime and dark comedy. Bhardwaj bought the original script from Kenyan writer Cajetan Boy and collaborated with screenwriters Sabrina Dhawan, Abhishek Chaubey and Supratik Sen to develop it further. Starring Shahid Kapoor in a dual role alongside Priyanka Chopra, Kaminey unfolds over a single day, chronicling a fierce rivalry between twin brothers.

3. The correct answer is c.

Tenet, a mind-bending sci-fi thriller, is an original concept by Christopher Nolan. In contrast, The Prestige is adapted from Christopher Priest’s 1995 novel of the same name, Dunkirk is based on historical events, and Oppenheimer is adapted from the book, American Prometheus, which earned Nolan his first Academy Award for directing and another for Best Picture in 2024.

4. The correct answer is b.

All the dramas mentioned are adaptations of novels, but Zindagi Gulzar Hai — adapted from Umera Ahmed’s novel of the same name —became a standout success. Starring Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed in lead roles, the series explored the lives of two individuals from vastly different backgrounds and featured a strong female protagonist that resonated with audiences. Dastaan is based on Razia Butt’s novel, Bano, Nikhar Gaye Gulab Sare is adapted from Shazia Chaudry’s novel, and Shehr-e-Zaat is based on Umera Ahmed’s play, directed by Mehreen Jabbar. This highlights how literary adaptations can often lead to compelling storytelling.

5. The correct answer is b.

Shutter Island, directed by Martin Scorsese, is adapted from Dennis Lehane’s novel of the same name, with screenplay by Laeta Kalogridis. The Matrix is an original screenplay by the Wachowskis, Inception was written by Christopher Nolan, and Terminator 2: Judgment Day was written by James Cameron and William Wisher.

6. The correct answer is d.

All three films—Bol, Khuda Kay Liye, and Verna—are original screenplays written and directed by Shoaib Mansoor. Each film tackled pressing social issues in Pakistan and received critical acclaim for its bold storytelling.

7. The correct answer is c.

Greta Gerwig is widely recognised for adapting classic literature, particularly with films like Little Women and Barbie (which drew inspiration from broader cultural narrative). David Fincher, Martin Scorsese, and Quentin Tarantino have also adapted literary works into visually striking films, but they are most known for their distinctive filmmaking styles rather than a focus on classic literature.