Summary- These shows have brought Indian mythology to the world with a modern twist. From the rich storytelling of Asur to the tension-filled Betaal, these stories are clever modern interpretations of ancient myths that stay true to their original meaning.
There is a difference between mythology and spiritual stories. Indian mythology on the one hand had a great part in shaping the modern storytelling. From twisted retellings to dark metaphors, creators are no longer treating mythology as something sacred. The rich folklore of India often goes unnoticed when it comes to the genre of mythology. We have so many stories from different cultures that if brought to the light it can itself be a complete franchise. When it comes to films that use the myths as their main plot it also helps in reigniting the tapestry of our rich heritage. This article brings you the top five series which brought history back to life with a touch of modernity.
5. Asur – The Monster Within
This particular Indian mythology has creatively blended the myth and modern crime. A former forensic expert Nikhil Nair must catch the serial killer who is creating havoc in the society. The killer believes himself to be a reincarnation of a mythical demon called Asura. The connection to the mythology starts as early as when the antagonist is born. His father is unhappy as he is born during inauspicious nakshatra and hence disregarding him. All these aspects lead him to be a serial killer when he grows up. There is indeed a psychological factor in the story, however, it is undeniable that the show brings in the ancient elements in a way that captivates most of the audience’s attention.
4. Leila – When Rituals Become Regimes
In a dystopian future ruled by purity laws and rigid belief systems, one mother fights to find her daughter. But Leila isn’t a rescue story. It’s a mirror. The show doesn’t scream mythology, but it hums with its influence. You see it in the iron-fisted rituals, the caste-coded cities, the obsession with cleanliness, all twisted echoes of our ancient texts. Leila questions about what may happen when blind reverence replaces the reason. It’s haunting because it feels one step away from reality. Through this series the creators have tried to show a world where there is only one leader in the nation. The religion is used against their own countrymen. It might be a little far-fetched but the take of this story is really bold and makes one wonder about what truly will be the reality.
3. Paatal Lok – Crime Beneath the Cosmos
Paatal Lok begins like any gritty cop drama where there is a failed inspector, a mysterious attack, a high-profile journalist. But very quickly, it rips open a deeper layer. The title refers to the underworld in Hindu cosmological concepts of Swarg Lok (Heaven), Dharti Lok (Earth), and Paatal Lok (the netherworld). Even though the show does not literally show the realms, the metaphorical indications are enough. The Indian Mythology here is used to portray the hardship faced by the regular citizens. This modern day tale is a perfect example of how we can still retell the stories without changing the main idea.
2. Betaal – The Ghosts We Buried
Betaal brings you the modern version of the mythical creature by the same name. This creature is believed to be a reanimated corpse. In this drama the portrayal of Betaal is done through a zombie-like creature. The story follows a group of police assigned to clear a remote yet forested area for highway construction. Local tribal villagers warn them against disturbing the cursed Betaal Mountain. The police squad doesn’t listen and follow through with their project. This action leads to awakening a spirit because the loud noise of explosion releases the said demon. In Indian mythology, Betaal is believed to possess the dead and haunts the charnel grounds. Thus, in the series the action which led to the event results in unleashing zombie-like creatures.
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1. Dahan – Between Reason and Ritual
Dahan doesn’t take sides. It doesn’t mock belief, nor does it blindly endorse it. Instead, it plants you in the middle, between the bureaucrat trying to “rationalise” the fear and the villagers who refuse to forget what they’ve been taught for generations. It’s a story that understands one simple truth: Faith, even when unproven, can be dangerously powerful. The series presents a fictional village in Rajasthan called Shilaspura. The people who reside there are divided into two groups and that is Karapalli and Nikasiya. Our main character is an IAS officer Avani Raut, who has some past mistakes to rectify. Then a mining takes place which some villages were against. This action unleashed the sleeping ancient folklore that results in a battle of beliefs.
Final Take
These representations of ancient lore combined with the modern day media is a big example how a culture could be preserved. Each story in this list is not a re-enactment of what we know but rather a reinterpretation of the original stories without changing the core meaning. If you haven’t watched these shows then you are missing out on some of the greatest stories of Indian Mythology.
Written by Kenbi Riba