'Ramayana' to 'Shakuntala'; 10 most adapted and remade literary characters of Indian cinema
Samantha Ruth Prabhu's starrer film, which is a mythological drama, 'Shaakuntalam’ is releasing tomorrow. The film is based on the popular play ‘Abhignyana Shakuntalam’ by Kalidasa and also features actors namely Mohan Babu, Dev Mohan, Jisshu Sengupta, Madhoo, Gautami, Aditi Balan, and others in important roles. While searching about the film, we stumbled upon a piece of information where we got to know that Shakuntala is not new to the Indian audience as it has been played over 21 times so far in various languages. We have compiled a list of other popular Indian mythology characters on which films have been made so far. Here you go...
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Lord Ram/Ramayana' – 25 times
The Sanskrit epic from ancient India and one of the most important epics of Hinduism Ramayana have been adapted to films over 25 times for film and over 14 times on TV making it one of the most adapted works in Indian filmmaking. Indirectly there can be up even more numbers that are partial adaptations of it.
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‘Shakuntala’ – 21 times
So far there are no. of Indian films that have been made on the story of ‘Shakuntala’ since 1920. There are over 21 films and Television shows that have been made depicting ‘Shakuntala’ right from the silent film era where Suchet Singh's film in 1920 was on ‘Shakuntala’ to the 2023 film ‘Shaakuntalam’ by Gunasekhar featuring Samantha in the lead role.
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‘Devdas’ – 20 times
Devdas is a fictional Bengali character from a romantic novel written by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, which tells the story of Devdas, Paro's incomplete love story and how he falls for Chandramukhi, who is a reformed courtesan. The film has been adapted over 20 times for Film so far in different languages and times.
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‘Karna’ - 19 times
Another popular mythology character that has been reprised more than once includes Lord Karna. Karna is one of the main protagonists of the Hindu epic Mahabharata and his story has been retold and adapted into films and TV shows more than 19 times.
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‘Draupadhi - 13 times
Draupadi the female protagonist of the Hindu epic ‘Mahabharata’ and the common consort of the five Pandavas has also been played several times on screen. As per a few known sources Draupadhi has been played over 13 times now.
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‘Sri Krishna’ – 11 Times
Lord Krishna is another most popular roles in Indian Hindu Mythology, and his character and life story has been adapted several times on Film and Television. As per the few available sources, over 11 times his character has been adapted in films so far.
Note:- Wiki says lord Krishna was played only 11 Times on screen but NTR alone played lord Krishna 21 times in Telugu movies, therefore if there are any more suggestions and corrections please comment below and update accordingly, Thank you.
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‘Shiva’ – 9 times
Another Popular and powerful Hindu deity is the God Shiva, who will be represented symbolically in most Indian films. As per the IMBD and other filmography sources, Shiva's character has been adapted over 9-10 times so far for a full film in the lead role, while the character references are in several other films.
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‘Hanuman’ – 7 Times
Lord Hanuman is a mandatory character when ‘Ramayana’ is made. However, there are a few films that are made on Lord Hanuman solely and as per the available sources, so far his character has been adapted for film and Television over 7 times.
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‘Ganesha’ – 7 times
God Shiva’s son Ganesha (called by different names in different cultures) is also the most worshipped Hindu deity. His character or story has been adapted for films over 7-8 times.
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‘Harishchandra’ – 6 Times
‘Harishchandra’ is the legendary king of the Solar Dynasty, who appeared in several Hindu legends and his character/ story has been adapted over 6 times so far in Indian cinema.
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Other Popular and repeatedly adapted Hindu Mythology characters include
The other popular and repeatedly adapted Indian mythology characters include Sati Savitri (5 Times), Damayanthi (2-3 Times), Durga/Kali (a couple of times), Eklavya (2 Times) and Abhimanyu – one time.
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