Hollywood Films Inspired by Hinduism: Check Out 6 Movies That Draw Inspiration

The influence of Hindu scriptures and philosophies on Hollywood movies and scenes has been intriguing over the years. From Avatar to The Matrix, several films have incorporated elements from Hinduism, creating captivating narratives with these inspirations.

Recently, Irish actor Cillian Murphy revealed that he read the Bhagavad Gita to prepare for his role in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer. He found the text beautiful and inspiring, using it as a source of consolation for his character. This is just one example of how Hollywood films have drawn inspiration from various sources, including Hindu scriptures.

Here is a list of Hollywood movies and scenes that have been influenced by Hinduism:

1. Avatar (2009)

The very title "Avatar" is derived from the Sanskrit word for incarnation. The film draws parallels with Hindu concepts of divine incarnations and the idea of gods having a bluish skin tone.

2. The Matrix (1999)

The Matrix incorporates themes reminiscent of the Maya philosophy in Hinduism. The concept of Maya, a delusion that keeps individuals attached to the illusory world, is reflected in Morpheus' dialogue with Neo.

3. Species (1995)

Some scenes in this movie bear similarities to incidents in the Mahabharata. For instance, the character Sil gives birth to a rapidly aging child shortly after mating, resembling the tale of Kunti and Karna.

4. Interstellar (2014)

Interstellar's plot design revolves around the idea of a universal super-consciousness that transcends space and time, connecting all human life. This concept shares similarities with Vedic philosophy, which explores the interconnectedness of all existence.

5. Star Wars (1977)

George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, drew inspiration from various Eastern cultures, including Hinduism. Influenced by Joseph Campbell's writings on mythology, Lucas incorporated themes of heroism and spiritual concepts found in Hindu philosophy.

6. Doctor Strange (2016)

Doctor Strange heavily incorporates Hinduism into its narrative. The character meditates, explore different dimensions, and his mentor, the Ancient One, is depicted as a Hindu monk.

It's important to note that while these films draw inspiration from Hindu scriptures and philosophies, they are not direct adaptations or retellings of those stories. Instead, they creatively incorporate these elements and themes to build their own unique narratives. As a viewer with knowledge of Hinduism, it's fascinating to observe the influence of these ancient teachings in modern Hollywood storytelling.