'Brilliant' Jane Austen adaptation featuring Virgin River stars now streaming

As Jane Austen celebrates her 250th anniversary, enthusiasts are delving back into the esteemed English author's literary treasures.

Her novels have inspired a plethora of adaptations and modern interpretations that springboard from her classic tales.

Highlights include Bridget Jones's Diary, a contemporary spin on Pride and Prejudice, and Clueless, which reimagines Emma amidst the social battleground of a 90s Beverly Hills high school.

Additionally, ITV's Lost in Austen sees a modern-day protagonist thrust into the world of Pride and Prejudice, while Austenland follows a die-hard romantic seeking to fulfil her Regency dreams at a Jane Austen-themed resort.

Yet, there's an oft-overlooked gem starring not one, but two Virgin River actors that's also worth a watch for any self-respecting Janeite.

One IMDb user praised the film as "brilliant", commenting: "Vibrant, colorful [sic], hilarious and lively, this movie was a sheer joy to watch. A refreshing take on an old classic."

Another confessed: "Well, it's pretty hard, isn't it, to write a spoiler for a film which is based on such a well-known, well-loved novel! I will show my hand here and say that I am a Janeite."

They continued: "However, I am not a purist and I like many Jane Austen adaptations that many Janeites don't (for example I like 'Mansfield Park')."

One viewer noted: "The script did a pretty good job of capturing the essence of the story whilst playing around with some of the details eg cutting out the fifth daughter whose role in the story is pretty minimal, and making the 'tyrant' in Darcy's life his mother not his aunt (a more realistic situation in its modern setting)."

Another person remarked: "Gurinder Chadha has transported Jane Austen's great novel to India. What a charmer this film turns out to be! The adaptation of the novel is excellent as the new locale is incorporated to the story.

"The incredible Indian colors explode in front of our eyes giving the Western viewers such an opportunity to experience a little taste of India [sic]."

Bride and Prejudice was released in 2004, merging the worlds of Bollywood and Hollywood through Jane Austen.

The film offered a fresh perspective on Austen's enemies-to-lovers narrative of Pride and Prejudice, under the direction of Bend It Like Beckham's Gurinder Chadha.

Bride and Prejudice starred Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Lalita Bakshi, who initially butts heads with the charming American entrepreneur Will Darcy (Martin Henderson), before they inevitably fall for each other.

Alongside Henderson, Virgin River and The Originals actor Daniel Gillies features as his rival George Wickham - an ironic role considering their respective characters in Netflix's romantic drama series.

The cast also features acclaimed Indian actor Anupam Kher, known for his roles in Bend It Like Beckham and Hotel Mumbai, Naveen Andrews from Lost and The English Patient, Namrata Shirodkar of Hera Pheri and Major fame, Indira Varma from Game of Thrones and Luther, and EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra.

Bride and Prejudice is available to watch on Apple TV+