7 Hollywood Films Inspired by Hindu Mythology

Apr 06, 2025 Ananya Srivastava

Avatar Directed by James Cameron, the film 'Avatar' derives its name from the Sanskrit word which means 'incarnation'; the symbolism in the film draws parallels with the avatars of Lord Vishnu in Hinduism, who are often depicted with blue skin, much like the Na'vi characters. The storyline mirrors Vishnu's avatars, whose role is to restore balance and order in the universe. Source: X

Oppenheimer Christopher Nolan's Oscar winner film draws inspiration from the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, often called the 'Father of the Atomic Bomb.' Oppenheimer was a devoted follower of the Hindu epic, the Bhagavad Gita. Actor Cillian Murphy has also shared that he studied this scripture as part of his preparation for the role in the film. Source: X

Doctor Strange Doctor Strange, the iconic Marvel character, explores Indian mythology by blending aspects of Hinduism and Buddhism. as he travels to Kathmandu in search of a sorcerer, discovering a mystical world of powers that transforms him into a superhero. Source: X

Inception Christopher Nolan's Inception delves into Indian philosophical ideas, especially the concept of time dilation within layered dreams. The film parallels Hindu notions of time, hinting that our experience of life may be akin to a dream, leading to cycles of suffering. Source: X

The Dark Knight The Dark Knight loosely reflects elements of Hindu mythology, particularly through its themes of upholding justice and the duality of character. Batman, much like Lord Krishna, serves as a guardian of righteousness and embodies contrasting identities. However, these parallels are incidental, as the film is primarily inspired by the Batman comics. Source: X

Star Wars The Star Wars franchise shares notable similarities with Vedic traditions, especially in the mentor-disciple bond between Yoda and Luke, which mirrors the guru-shishya relationship in Hindu mythology. Yoda's teachings resonate with concepts found in the Bhagavad Gita, while the idea of 'The Force' closely resembles the Hindu notion of the 'One' or the Universe. Yoda’s understanding of 'The Force' represents a fusion of Hindu philosophy and science fiction. Source: X

Interstellar The central philosophy of Interstellar resonates with the ancient Vedic idea of a universal super-consciousness that transcends time and space, linking all human existence. The film’s depiction of time dilation on Miller’s planet echoes a story from Hindu mythology involving King Muchukunda. Source: X