Movies rooted in folklore and cultural traditions have a unique power to captivate audiences, and in recent times India’s diverse culture has provided a ground for filmmakers to weave mesmerising tales that resonate with viewers worldwide. From the critically acclaimed ‘Tumbbad’ to the recent blockbuster ‘Bramayugam,’ Indian cinema is witnessing a renaissance of storytelling that draws from the nation’s rich heritage of folk tales and beliefs.
Folk Stories In Indian Films
‘Kantara’ (Netflix, Amazon Prime) (IMDb Rating: 8.2/10)
Directed by Rishab Shetty, it took the box office by storm, earning widespread acclaim for its compelling exploration of the clash between modernity and traditional beliefs. The film delves into the critical issue of land politics and the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature through the lens of folklore and beliefs surrounding the Daivas, or demigods.
Shetty’s portrayal of Shiva, a Kambala champion embroiled in a conflict with a forest officer, masterfully intertwines the realms of myth and reality.
‘Tumbbad’ (Amazon Prime) (IMDb Rating: 8.2/10)
Anand Gandhi’s ‘Tumbbad,’ a cinematic masterpiece that initially struggled to find its audience, has now garnered a cult following for its intricate weaving of Maharashtrian folklore. The film’s haunting narrative revolves around a family’s obsession with a forbidden temple dedicated to the devil god Hastar, exploring themes of greed and the consequences of disturbing ancient forces.
‘Bramayugam’ (Sony LIV) (IMDb Rating: 7.9/10)
Shrouded in mystery and steeped in Malayalam folklore, ‘Bramayugam’ is a chilling period horror film. Director Rahul Sadasivan crafts a hauntingly beautiful world in black and white, transporting viewers to 17th-century Kerala. The arrival of Thevan, a talented but low-caste singer played by Arjun Ashokan, further deepens the film’s intrigue, raising questions about power, class, and the secrets that lurk within the walls.
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‘Stree’ (Disney+ Hotstar, Netflix) (IMDb Rating: 7.5/10)
This laugh-out-loud horror-comedy is a must-watch! Based on the legend of Nale Ba, a man-snatching witch, Stree follows a group of friends who unravel the mystery behind the disappearances in their town. Amazing performances byRajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana, and Abhishek Banerjee make this a guaranteed entertaining watch.
‘Vikram Vedha’ (Amazon Prime) (IMDb Rating: 8.2/10)
Inspired by the classic folktale Baital Pachisi, ‘Vikram Vedha’ is a story of good versus evil with a twist. The original Tamil version features the powerhouse duo of R Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathy. A Hindi remake starring Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan was recently released, offering a fresh take on the gripping narrative.
‘Bulbbul’ (Netflix) (IMDb Rating: 6.5/10)
This haunting thriller, directed by Anvita Dutt and released in 2020, will leave you wanting more. Drawing inspiration from Bengali folklore surrounding female ghosts and the tales of Kali, Bulbbul stars Tripti Dimri in a powerful performance.
These films not only deliver scares but also showcase the rich history of Indian folklore, making them a unique and thrilling cinematic experience.
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