Abstract
The study of the adaptation of literature into films has fascinated scholars and critics across the globe and the issue of fidelity has been at the centre stage of these studies. The extent to which a film faithfully follows the story, characters, concepts, and style of the source text is known as fidelity. A faithful adaptation tries to preserve the essence of the source material. Due to inherent differences in film and literature, adapting a literary text into a film demands significant changes. Filmmaking is essentially about profit making, therefore, the filmmakers make necessary modifications in the plot, characterization, setting, etc. considering audience expectations, budget constraints, and creative challenges. This research paper explores the challenges of fidelity aspect in film adaptations focusing on the case studies of The Guide and The White Tiger and the intrinsic similarities and differences between literature and film. Using adaptation theory as a theoretical framework, this research will demonstrate how fidelity can be a limiting as well as liberating concept and explore alternative approaches to evaluate and appreciate film adaptations.
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