Reimagining the Divine: Analyzing the Portrayal of Hinduism in the 21st Century Indian Hindi Film 'Adipurush’

Abstract

This study examines how the 2023 Hindi film Adipurush reimagines one of South Asia’s most enduring sacred narratives—the Ramayana—and how this reinterpretation triggered widespread cultural, religious, and cinematic debate. While Bollywood has long adapted Hindu epics for the screen, Adipurush marked a bold attempt to modernize the story through stylized visuals, contemporary dialogue, and altered character arcs. The analysis shows that these creative choices led to significant departures from Valmiki’s traditional text, particularly in the portrayals of Rama, Sita, Ravana, Hanuman, and Lakshmana. The film also modifies key events such as Sita’s abduction, Hanuman’s journey to Lanka, and the climactic battle, often simplifying or omitting essential symbolic elements. These deviations not only sparked aesthetic criticism but also raised concerns about cultural accuracy, religious sentiment, and the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers adapting sacred narratives in the 21st century. The public response—including media debates, court observations, and calls for censorship—demonstrates how deeply mythological stories remain woven into contemporary identity and collective memory. By analyzing both the narrative distortions and the controversies surrounding them, this study highlights how cinematic reinterpretations can influence communal values and reshape the cultural life of ancient epics. The discussion ultimately reinforces the need for thoughtful, respectful storytelling when adapting foundational religious texts for modern audiences.