Bollywood's Mythological Obsession: How Indian Epics Inspire Box Office Hits

Indian cinema has a rich history of adapting mythological epics for the silver screen. Drawing inspiration from timeless texts like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, filmmakers have crafted visually impressive and spiritually resonant movies. These ancient narratives continue to resonate with contemporary audiences when presented with modern interpretations. From faithful adaptations to innovative reimaginings and fantasy epics rooted in myth, here are some Bollywood films that have successfully brought Indian mythology back into the limelight and achieved significant box office success.

Adipurush

Adipurush, directed by Om Raut, is a direct adaptation of the Ramayana. The film centers on Raghav (Prabhas), who embarks on a quest to rescue his wife, Janaki (Kriti Sanon), from the clutches of the demon king Lankesh (Saif Ali Khan). The movie delves into themes of righteousness and sacrifice. While Adipurush received mixed reviews regarding its visual effects and dialogues, it nonetheless sparked considerable cultural discussion, introducing the ancient epic to a new generation through a cinematic lens.

Raavan

Mani Ratnam's Raavan offers a modern, psychological take on the Ramayana. Abhishek Bachchan stars as Beera, a complex outlaw who kidnaps the wife of a police officer (Aishwarya Rai). The plot mirrors the abduction of Sita by Ravana, but subverts conventional notions of good and evil. Raavan, through its compelling performances and intricate narrative, invites viewers to contemplate moral ambiguity, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the epic's timeless themes.

Ram Setu

Ram Setu follows an atheist archaeologist (Akshay Kumar) tasked with uncovering the historical truth behind the legendary bridge believed to have been constructed by Lord Rama. Initially skeptical, his discoveries lead him towards faith and belief in the epic's legacy. Directed by Abhishek Sharma, the film combines action with mythology, transforming a spiritual quest into a thrilling race against time. The film ignited debates concerning science, faith, and cultural identity within contemporary India.

Baahubali: The Beginning

While not a direct adaptation of any specific mythological epic, Baahubali: The Beginning exhibits strong thematic parallels to the Ramayana and other Indian legends. Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, the film tells the story of Shivudu, a young man who discovers his royal heritage and destiny. His journey of self-discovery, lost lineage, and moral duty mirrors the classic hero archetype found in ancient scriptures. Baahubali, with its spectacular visuals and mythical undertones, has become one of India's most celebrated cinematic achievements.

Brahmastra Part One – Shiva

Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva is a contemporary fantasy adventure heavily inspired by Hindu mythology, specifically the concept of divine astras or celestial weapons. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Shiva, a young man who discovers his connection to fire and his destiny as the protector of the Brahmāstra. The narrative fuses modern storytelling with spiritual symbolism, reintroducing ancient concepts such as energy, gurus, and dharma to today's superhero-loving audiences through a distinctly Indian perspective.