In an era where cinematic universes and superhero sagas dominate the box office, a new wave of storytelling is emerging—one that draws from ancient mythology. Filmmakers worldwide are reimagining age-old legends, infusing them with contemporary themes and cutting-edge technology to captivate modern audiences bored of futuristic franchises.
Whether Bollywood, Hollywood or even Korean, filmmakers are reaching back and dusting off age-old legends from manuscripts and lore and projecting them on IMAX screens.
The Mythological Renaissance in Cinema
Mythology has always been a rich source of inspiration for storytellers. From the epic tales of gods and heroes to moral parables and cosmic battles, these narratives have shaped civilizations. Today's filmmakers are tapping into this reservoir, recognizing that myths offer universal themes—love, betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption—that resonate across cultures and eras.
Myth Reimagined
Not all myth-inspired films aim for the epic. Some, like Sinners, use folklore as allegory. Director Ryan Coogler, explains, "There is something eternal about these mythical stories that help us process the now."
In the film, myth meets modernity in striking fashion. It follows Annie, a conjure woman played by Wunmi Mosaku, who sees the dead not as distant echoes but as everyday presences. Here, myth is not just a backdrop but a breathing character.
Jack O’Connell, who plays an ancient Irish entity, finds complexity in blending the factual with the fantastical. “Character-wise, he purports to be... maybe a thousand years old. He’s supernatural, but also natural. There's a realism to it, not outlandish beyond conception,” he says.
Delroy Lindo, on the other hand, sees a contemporary message wrapped in mythical storytelling of the film. He says, "I like that term, supernatural... What attracted me was how contemporary it feels. What these people do—who come and infiltrate the community—is very real. Not supernatural at all. That’s the power of the film—it resonates beyond the fantasy."
Shape-Shifting Serpents
Indian cinema is witnessing a resurgence of the supernatural genre, with major stars and production houses diving into myth, folklore, and fantasy. Unlike the formulaic horror flicks of the past, these upcoming films are designed as universe builders, combining mythology with mass appeal and cutting-edge visuals. With top-tier talent and big-budget backing, the supernatural genre is being reimagined not just for scares — but for spectacle.
India’s rich tradition of snake mythology has found a contemporary avatar in Naagzilla, starring Kartik Aaryan. He plays Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand, a 631-year-old shape-shifting serpent. Directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba the film that blends folklore with fantasy comedy is set for release on August 14, 2026.
In a teaser, Aaryan says, “A shape-shifting naag, like me, who has the power to change forms... I’ve seen many human stories, now watch a story of naags.”
Before Kartik could slither his way onto the big screen with his 'sssstory', Shraddha Kapoor had announced as the lead to headline a three-part Naagin film franchise. Inspired by classic Indian folklore about a shape-shifting serpent, the trilogy was touted had already sparked massive curiosity and fan anticipation.
Also in the lineup is Bhediya 2, the Varun Dhawan-starrer is set to see him return as the shape-shifting werewolf in the ever-expanding Maddock Supernatural Universe, which also horror-comedies like Stree and Roohi. Scheduled to release on August 14, 2026, Bhediya 2 directed by Amar Kaushik promises to raise the stakes with darker mythology, deeper lore, and more thrilling transformations.
Mythology With A Futuristic Blend
While the rest of the bunch is looking at contemporary and modern retellings of mythological begins and lore, director Nag Ashwin stepped nearly a 1000 years into the future to set a new benchmark for Indian mythological epics with Kalki 2898 AD. Helmed by Nag Ashwin, the film blends post-apocalyptic sci-fi with the prophetic mythology of Kalki, the final avatar of Vishnu. With megastars like Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Prabhas, it stormed the box office, grossing over Rs 1,180 crore globally against a budget of Rs 600 crore.
Reflecting on his inspiration for the film, director Ashwin said, “Growing up I always watched mythology films with epic battles, so bringing Kalki 2898 AD to life has been a dream come true. The sheer hard work and so much preparation that went into creating the futuristic world of Kalki is just beyond imagination.”
Set in the year 2898 AD, the film fuses AI, space-age warfare, and divine destiny to craft a visually stunning, genre-bending cinematic experience. According to lead actress Deepika, who plays Sumati—the mother of Kalki, she says, "the scale of VFX and technology used is unlike anything we’ve seen in Indian cinema. Yet, the soul of the story remains intact.”
Global Box Office Triumphs
One of the most striking examples of mythology's cinematic resurgence is China's animated film Ne Zha 2. Directed by Yang Yu, also known as Jiao Zi, the film reinterprets the classic Chinese myth of Ne Zha, a rebellious deity. The film has shattered box office records, grossing over $2 billion globally, and becoming the highest-grossing animated film worldwide. Its success highlights the global appetite for culturally rooted stories that blend traditional narratives with modern animation techniques.
Challenges and Cautions
While the trend of mythological films is on the rise, not all adaptations have met with success. The 2023 film Adipurush, despite its high expectations and star cast, faced criticism for its visual effects and narrative choices, leading to underwhelming box office performance.
Upcoming Mythological Epics
The success of these films has paved the way for a long list of upcoming projects that delve into mythological themes. Take a look at some of the most talked about films below:
Ramayana
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, this ambitious adaptation stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana. The film is set to release in two parts, with the first part slated for Diwali 2026 and the second for Diwali 2027.
Naagzilla
A unique blend of Indian folklore and fantasy comedy, this film features Kartik Aaryan as Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand, a shape-shifting serpent. Directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, the film is scheduled for release on August 14, 2026.
Hiranyakashyap
Rana Daggubati takes on the role of the legendary demon king in this mythological epic. The film aims to explore the complexities of its titular character, offering a nuanced portrayal beyond the traditional villain archetype.
Mahavatar
Vicky Kaushal is set to portray Lord Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, in this upcoming film directed by Amar Kaushik.
As technology enables more immersive storytelling, and filmmakers delve deeper into these timeless tales, audiences have found themselves on the bridge between the past and the present. Why are we still so drawn to myths today? Perhaps it’s because they speak of heroes who rise, demons who fall, and cosmic orders restored.
Whether Bollywood, Hollywood or even Korean, filmmakers are reaching back and dusting off age-old legends from manuscripts and lore and projecting them on IMAX screens.
The Mythological Renaissance in Cinema
Mythology has always been a rich source of inspiration for storytellers. From the epic tales of gods and heroes to moral parables and cosmic battles, these narratives have shaped civilizations. Today's filmmakers are tapping into this reservoir, recognizing that myths offer universal themes—love, betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption—that resonate across cultures and eras.
Myth Reimagined
Not all myth-inspired films aim for the epic. Some, like Sinners, use folklore as allegory. Director Ryan Coogler, explains, "There is something eternal about these mythical stories that help us process the now."
In the film, myth meets modernity in striking fashion. It follows Annie, a conjure woman played by Wunmi Mosaku, who sees the dead not as distant echoes but as everyday presences. Here, myth is not just a backdrop but a breathing character.
Jack O’Connell, who plays an ancient Irish entity, finds complexity in blending the factual with the fantastical. “Character-wise, he purports to be... maybe a thousand years old. He’s supernatural, but also natural. There's a realism to it, not outlandish beyond conception,” he says.
Delroy Lindo, on the other hand, sees a contemporary message wrapped in mythical storytelling of the film. He says, "I like that term, supernatural... What attracted me was how contemporary it feels. What these people do—who come and infiltrate the community—is very real. Not supernatural at all. That’s the power of the film—it resonates beyond the fantasy."
Shape-Shifting Serpents
Indian cinema is witnessing a resurgence of the supernatural genre, with major stars and production houses diving into myth, folklore, and fantasy. Unlike the formulaic horror flicks of the past, these upcoming films are designed as universe builders, combining mythology with mass appeal and cutting-edge visuals. With top-tier talent and big-budget backing, the supernatural genre is being reimagined not just for scares — but for spectacle.
India’s rich tradition of snake mythology has found a contemporary avatar in Naagzilla, starring Kartik Aaryan. He plays Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand, a 631-year-old shape-shifting serpent. Directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba the film that blends folklore with fantasy comedy is set for release on August 14, 2026.
In a teaser, Aaryan says, “A shape-shifting naag, like me, who has the power to change forms... I’ve seen many human stories, now watch a story of naags.”
Before Kartik could slither his way onto the big screen with his 'sssstory', Shraddha Kapoor had announced as the lead to headline a three-part Naagin film franchise. Inspired by classic Indian folklore about a shape-shifting serpent, the trilogy was touted had already sparked massive curiosity and fan anticipation.
Wohoo… Shraddha as Nagin 🔥#ShraddhaKapoor pic.twitter.com/LgCuUekGyP
— » 𝑹𝒂𝒚𝒂 (@rayatweetss) January 14, 2025
It’s an absolute delight for me to play a Naagin on screen. I have grown up watching, admiring and idolising Sridevi ma'am's Nagina and Nigahen and have always wanted to play a similar role rooted in Indian traditional folklore.✨💜@Nikhil_Dwivedi @FuriaVishal @saffronbrdmedia
— Shraddha (@ShraddhaKapoor) October 28, 2020
Also in the lineup is Bhediya 2, the Varun Dhawan-starrer is set to see him return as the shape-shifting werewolf in the ever-expanding Maddock Supernatural Universe, which also horror-comedies like Stree and Roohi. Scheduled to release on August 14, 2026, Bhediya 2 directed by Amar Kaushik promises to raise the stakes with darker mythology, deeper lore, and more thrilling transformations.
Mythology With A Futuristic Blend
While the rest of the bunch is looking at contemporary and modern retellings of mythological begins and lore, director Nag Ashwin stepped nearly a 1000 years into the future to set a new benchmark for Indian mythological epics with Kalki 2898 AD. Helmed by Nag Ashwin, the film blends post-apocalyptic sci-fi with the prophetic mythology of Kalki, the final avatar of Vishnu. With megastars like Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Prabhas, it stormed the box office, grossing over Rs 1,180 crore globally against a budget of Rs 600 crore.
Reflecting on his inspiration for the film, director Ashwin said, “Growing up I always watched mythology films with epic battles, so bringing Kalki 2898 AD to life has been a dream come true. The sheer hard work and so much preparation that went into creating the futuristic world of Kalki is just beyond imagination.”
Set in the year 2898 AD, the film fuses AI, space-age warfare, and divine destiny to craft a visually stunning, genre-bending cinematic experience. According to lead actress Deepika, who plays Sumati—the mother of Kalki, she says, "the scale of VFX and technology used is unlike anything we’ve seen in Indian cinema. Yet, the soul of the story remains intact.”
Global Box Office Triumphs
One of the most striking examples of mythology's cinematic resurgence is China's animated film Ne Zha 2. Directed by Yang Yu, also known as Jiao Zi, the film reinterprets the classic Chinese myth of Ne Zha, a rebellious deity. The film has shattered box office records, grossing over $2 billion globally, and becoming the highest-grossing animated film worldwide. Its success highlights the global appetite for culturally rooted stories that blend traditional narratives with modern animation techniques.
Challenges and Cautions
While the trend of mythological films is on the rise, not all adaptations have met with success. The 2023 film Adipurush, despite its high expectations and star cast, faced criticism for its visual effects and narrative choices, leading to underwhelming box office performance.
Upcoming Mythological Epics
The success of these films has paved the way for a long list of upcoming projects that delve into mythological themes. Take a look at some of the most talked about films below:
Ramayana
More than a decade ago, I embarked on a noble quest to bring this epic that has ruled billions of hearts for over 5000 years to the big screen. pic.twitter.com/Hf7MblEf41
— Namit Malhotra (@malhotra_namit) November 6, 2024
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, this ambitious adaptation stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana. The film is set to release in two parts, with the first part slated for Diwali 2026 and the second for Diwali 2027.
Naagzilla
A unique blend of Indian folklore and fantasy comedy, this film features Kartik Aaryan as Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand, a shape-shifting serpent. Directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, the film is scheduled for release on August 14, 2026.
Hiranyakashyap
Rana Daggubati’s #Hiranyakashyap pic.twitter.com/dyAA0Tszj7
— Christopher Kanagaraj (@Chrissuccess) July 19, 2023
Rana Daggubati takes on the role of the legendary demon king in this mythological epic. The film aims to explore the complexities of its titular character, offering a nuanced portrayal beyond the traditional villain archetype.
Mahavatar
DINESH VIJAN - AMAR KAUSHIK REUNITE AFTER 'STREE 2'... VICKY KAUSHAL TO STAR AS LEGENDARY CHIRANJEEVI PARASHURAMA IN 'MAHAVTAR'... CHRISTMAS 2026 RELEASE... Producer #DineshVijan, director #AmarKaushik and #VickyKaushal join hands for #Mahavatar.
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) November 13, 2024
After the #Blockbuster success… pic.twitter.com/r2iwP8bZy0
Vicky Kaushal is set to portray Lord Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, in this upcoming film directed by Amar Kaushik.
As technology enables more immersive storytelling, and filmmakers delve deeper into these timeless tales, audiences have found themselves on the bridge between the past and the present. Why are we still so drawn to myths today? Perhaps it’s because they speak of heroes who rise, demons who fall, and cosmic orders restored.
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