Ramayan And Mahabharat Epics Inspire Indian Filmmakers For Mega Film Projects

The Indian mythological stories have always attracted the people and when it comes to epics, Ramayan and Mahabharat, people have always keen to know more about them. During the lockdown last year, Indian TV telecasted Ramayan and Mahabharat that not only liked by people but also broke the TRP records.

The ever-growing interest of people in the Indian epics has made Indian filmmakers look into this genre for the big screen experience. Now, it seems that the characters and stories based on Ramayan and Mahabharat are the latest favorites of the Indian filmmakers as a host of new films based on these epics have been launched.



Not only Bollywood but South Indian film industries also seem to be inspired by these epics lately. In the past, Bollywood has tried its hands on a theme similar to this genre just for the drama quotient. However, the upcoming roster promises to explore the stories with bigger production values.

Here's a look at what's in store

BRAHMASTRA



Brahmastra was announced many moons back but couldn't complete due to its large scale and of course, the covid-19 pandemic which halted the shoot. It is an ambitious action fantasy that draws its name from Mahabharat, where Brahmastra was a lethal supernatural weapon capable of destroying the entire universe.

The Ayan Mukerji directorial is said to be the first part of a trilogy that stars Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Nagarjuna Akkineni, and Mouni Roy in key roles. The film is planned to be released in 3D, IMAX, and standard formats in multiple Indian languages. However, the plot of the film is yet to be known as things are kept under wraps at the moment.

ADIPURUSH



A dream project of director Om Raut, Adipurush is an adaptation of Ramayan, where Telugu star Prabhas features as Lord Ram while Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan will be seen essaying Ravan. This film is already making a lot of noise due to its vast plot and scale. However, the film also sparked controversy in December last year after Saif Ali Khan mentioned in an interview that the film was going to show the "humane" side of Ravan. Though he later apologized for his remark saying, "Lord Ram has always been the symbol of righteousness and heroism for me".

The film is currently on the floors and will be releasing on 11 August 2022 in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada languages.

RAM SETU

Actor-producer Akshay Kumar has carved his space with patriotism and socially relevant commentary through mainstream films lately. With Abhishek Sharma's Ram Setu, he is falling back on mythology. Announcing the film on Twitter last year, Akshay had said the endeavor was "to keep alive the ideals of Ram in the consciousness of all Bharatiyas by building a bridge (Setu) that will connect generations to come".

The actor has sought permission from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to shoot the film in Ayodhya. Akshay will be backing the film too, besides starring along with Jacqueline Fernandez, and Nushrratt Bharuccha. The film is expected to go on floors soon and eyeing Diwali 2022 release.

THE IMMORTAL ASHWATTHAMA

According to the story of Mahabharat, Ashwathama is the son of guru Dronacharya, who was the weapon instructor of the Pandavas and the Kauravas. During the battle of Kurukshetra, Ashvatthama sided with the Kauravas and fought against the Pandavas. As per the Mahabharat, he is immortal.

The Immortal Ashwatthama is a superhero film starring Vicky Kaushal in the lead. The film is being marketed as a "high-concept visual spectacle". It will be helmed by Aditya Dhar who has earlier directed Vicky Kaushal in the 2019 film Uri: The Surgical Strike and produced by Ronnie Screwvala under his banner RSVP Movies.

SURYAPUTRA MAHAVIR KARNA

Another film that inspired by Mahabharat. It film narrates the story of Karna, son of Suryadev or Sun God, and princess Kunti, born before her marriage. Karna is one of the most important characters of Mahabharat. Written and directed by Malayalam filmmaker RS Vimal, the film is produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh, and Jackky Bhagnani while the dialogues, lyrics, and additional screenplay are penned by Dr. Kumar Vishwas. It will release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam languages.

Stay tuned...