Avatar to Star Wars: Hollywood movies inspired by Indian mythology

Dec 5, 2022CELEB LOOKSKaren Pereira

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James Cameron's sci-fi blockbuster 'Avatar' has a subconscious reference to Hindu mythology, the director admitted. Besides the obvious Sanskrit link to the title and the characters having blue skin, Cameron said, "I didn't want to reference the Hindu religion so closely but the subconscious association was interesting." Movie-stills

The Matrix

Those who have watched The Matrix will know that the recurring theme of the franchise toys with the idea that this world is an 'illusion'. The movie is reportedly inspired by yogic principles. Movie-stills

Star Wars

The Star Wars series established the principle of superheroes battling their inner darkness to win over the enemy and finding enlightenment. Some even believe the film is a take on the Ramayana. Movie-stills

Dark Knight

Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy introduced an entire generation to the Indian gods and myths while teaching the importance of one's internal journey while facing adversities of the outside world. Movie-stills

Interstellar

Religion has been the driving philosophy behind Christopher Nolan's 'Interstellar'. What's more? The plot that meddles with time and space, mortality, purpose and faith is all mentioned in the Hindu scriptures. Movie-stills

Doctor Strange

The Marvel superhero film Doctor Strange is rooted in Hindu mythology and it has made no effort to hide it. From keeping the wi-fi password 'Shamballa' - the birthplace of goddess Kali, basing the Book of the Vishanti on the Atharvaveda, this film has it all. Movie-stills

Inception

The Leonardo DiCaprio-starrer Inception gave way to debate whether the film took its concept from Hindu mythology or if it was simply another take on the theory of relativity. Movie-stills

X-Men Apocalypse

Although seen as the antagonist, Apocalypse in X-Men is inspired by the Hindu god Krishna. "I have been called many things over many lifetimes: Ra, Krishna, Yahweh," he says in the film. However, the dialogue was censored for its Indian release. Movie-stills

Watchmen

The character of Doctor Manhattan is linked to Lord Krishna and it's not only because of his blue colour. His powers include hyperconscious, and on witnessing the first detonation of the atomic bomb, a line from the Bhagavad Gita - Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds- ran through his mind. Movie-stills