Cultural Bridges: Navigating The Transcultural Adaptation of Laal Singh Chaddha

Transcultural adaptation in the film industry is a dynamic process that involves reshaping narratives to suit diverse cultural audiences. This study delves into the adaptation of the Bollywood film Laal Singh Chaddha, a reinterpretation of the American classic Forrest Gump, to explore how cultural elements are transformed to resonate with the Indian audience. Through a qualitative content analysis, this research uncovers the nuanced changes made in the adaptation, focusing on themes such as cultural context, character adaptation, and plot development. The findings reveal the intricate strategies filmmakers employe to navigate cultural differences and negotiate historical events in Laal Singh Chaddha. By examining how the film reimagines key moments in Indian history and social issues, this analysis highlights the creative approaches used to localize the narrative for Indian viewers. This study also underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity in adapting foreign narratives, emphasizing the need to align storytelling with the cultural preferences and values of the target audience. Drawing upon insights from adaptation theory and globalization studies, this research contributes to the understanding of transcultural adaptation in the Bollywood industry. By integrating theoretical perspectives from scholars like Stam (2000) , Hutcheon (2012) and Smith (2016), it offers a comprehensive framework for analyzing how cultural elements are reinterpreted to appeal to local audiences. The findings provide valuable insights into the complexities of adapting narratives across cultural boundaries, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities inherent in the process of transcultural adaptation in the global film industry.