In recent times, films based on mythology and folklore have been gaining ground at the domestic box office. While the trend initially took off in the South with films like Karthikeya, Kalki and Kantara, the wave eventually reached Bollywood with projects like SS Rajamouli’s Adipurush, Brahmastra and now Varanasi and also Ramayana starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash. However, long before this trend became mainstream, producer Ekta Kapoor had envisioned a film based on Indian folklore, Naagin. The idea, however, did not materialize on the big screen. Instead, Kapoor adapted the concept into a television series, one that became one of the most popular. most popular shows on Indian television, with a constant demand for newer seasons.
In a recent interview, Ekta spoke about how Indian audiences eagerly consume Western superhero films and often overlook stories based on local folklore.
“India underestimates folklore”
Speaking to Usha Kakade Productions, Ekta said, “Mythology in India is deeply rooted in the people of this country. We grew up hearing these stories from our grandparents. Every child in India knows that a naagin he comes However, we watch movies like Batman and Superman, but we don’t mind showing our Indian folklore on our screens, be it on television or in cinema.”
Also remember that Naagin was originally conceived as a feature film. “Initially I wanted to make a film called Naagin. I had even approached two big stars to tell the story; one said yes, the other refused. The actress who said yes left for America. It was then that I decided to make Naagin into a TV show.”
While she did not name the actors in the current interview, Ekta had earlier revealed that the actress who had said yes was Priyanka Chopra, and the one who refused was Katrina Kaif.
When Ekta approached Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra for Naagin
In an earlier interview with Film Companion, Ekta had shared, “After The Dirty Picture, I decided to make Naagin as a film. I took the concept to two actresses. I remember going to Katrina and telling her that I wanted to do something innovative after Dirty Picture. When I said Naagin, she looked at me like I had smoked something really good. Of course, that’s a joke. She told me, ‘Are you serious? Will people see something called Naagin in today’s film?’ Time?’ Then I went to PC; “That was around the time she went abroad.”
Later, clarifying her comments in an interview with Pinkvilla, Ekta added context to the discussion. “I should have explained it better. They didn’t fully understand the importance of folklore in India. Priyanka Chopra had said yes; Katrina didn’t fully understand the scale of folklore at that time. But both women are incredible. I admire and love them, and I hope to work with them in the future.”
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He added: “Katrina didn’t know Hindi, but she made her way and built her career without coming from a film family. Priyanka has also done exceptionally well. I mention this only to highlight how we often underestimate the power of Indian folklore.”
Shraddha Kapoor’s Naagin Trilogy
While the film with Priyanka Chopra never materialized, years later, producer Nikhil Dwivedi said he would make Naagin as a film with Shraddha Kapoor helming the project. Billed as a trilogy, the film was said to delve into the shapeshifting story. naagin Rooted in Indian folklore. The project was originally announced in 2020.
Wow… Shraddha as Nagin 🔥#ShraddhaKapoor pic.twitter.com/LgCuUekGyP
— 𝙍🌻 (@prettyyylilac) January 14, 2025
At that time, Shraddha shared
Previously, Indian cinema has seen films like Jaani Dushman (1979), Nagina (1986), Nigahen (1989) that explored this folklore. Ekta Kapoor launched Naagin as a television show in 2015 with Mouni Roy. The show has had six seasons so far and is currently in the middle of its seventh season.