In the last decade, Indian cinema has seen a significant rise in films and web series taking inspiration from Indian folklore. Bhoothnath Returns (2014), Puli (2015), Nagarahavu (2016), angel (2018), Tumbbad (2018), Street (2018), Bhadiyaand OTT shows like Cabbage (2018), Salary (2020), and Assyrians (2020) has embraced these timeless stories, taking audiences into the realm of myth, legend and cultural heritage. Industry experts attribute this trend to several compelling factors.
A treasure trove of untold stories
Filmmakers are fascinated by the timeless appeal and profound cultural depth of folklore, which offers a treasure trove of untold stories, mystical characters and moral lessons. “These stories, passed down through generations, are deeply embedded in the cultural consciousness of the country. They have a certain timeless appeal that appeals to audiences,” says filmmaker Amar Kaushik, known for the hit film Street (2018) and Bhadiya (2023).
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Kaushik elaborates, “India is vast and wherever you go, you will hear countless stories. As a creator, whenever you sit down to write a story, it is your foundation. There are countless stories that are still left to be told. Every street has a story. When the audience watches their untold stories on the big screen, they feel a sense of attachment and nostalgia.”
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Versatility in storytelling
Sohum Shah, lead actor of the acclaimed film Tumbbad (2018), explaining the appeal of folktale-inspired material to contemporary audiences, say “Folktales can be adapted into a variety of genres, ranging from supernatural horror stories to Tumbbad for the fantastical adventure of BahubaliThis versatility allows creators to explore different cinematic genres and themes. “During the pandemic, people explored a lot of OTT content and got tired of the same old love stories, action films, and science-fiction. Audiences are now getting attracted to films and shows inspired by Indian folklore as they offer something new rooted in our culture,” he adds.
The perfect experience for families
Today, audiences seem to have a strong desire to reconnect with their cultural roots. Indian folklore serves as a powerful tool for exploring and affirming cultural identity. Director Prashanth Varma, whose film Hanuman The actor, who has had a historic success in Tollywood, said, “Folk songs have timeless themes and characters that evoke nostalgia and cultural pride. Bringing these stories to the screen develops a wholesome experience for families and celebrates our diverse cultural heritage.” He further added, “Folklore-based films encourage all generations to come together and enjoy these stories. Embracing one’s own culture has become the new trend. Even other countries are adopting Indian culture. The days of copying Western culture are now behind us.”
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Visual and aesthetic appeal
The visual and narrative richness of folklore provides filmmakers with compelling storytelling elements. Prashant Varma elaborates, “Indian folktales often feature grand, mythic settings and larger-than-life characters that translate beautifully on screen. Elaborate costumes, intricate set designs, and state-of-the-art special effects bring these ancient tales to life, captivating audiences with vivid details. The visual and aesthetic appeal of these stories is a key draw for both filmmakers and audiences.”
Demand for original and diverse narratives
The success of folklore-inspired content also reflects the changing preferences of audiences for original and diverse narratives. Actor Aparshakti Khurana is all set for the release of his upcoming film ‘Kahaani’. Street # 2 Based on the legend of Nale Ba, says, “Audiences are getting attracted to folklore-based films as they offer credibility and freshness. Some time back, there was a lot of clutter in the market. So, to try something different and original, the writers chose folklore. It is working and we are happy with it.”
Mona Singh, starring Come to me Based on the legend of Munja, he said, “Such content appeals to audiences as it explores our own culture and stories, and offers something authentic and different.”
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Now the question arises that, while folk songs survive for ages, will folk song based cinema also remain timeless?
Sohum Shah believes, “Change is the only constant. This is the phase when audiences are enjoying this cinema. But that will change. And even though it may become less popular in the long run, this folklore-inspired cinema will become a genre in itself.”
