Home / Entertainment / Regional Indian Cinema News / Photos / Karuppu to Kantara: 12 films that are based on deity folklore

Karuppu to Kantara: 12 films that are based on deity folklore

Updated On: 09 June, 2026 05:42 PM IST | Aakruti Bagla

Indian cinema has often turned to mythology, folklore, and spiritual beliefs for inspiration. In recent years, several films based on local deities and regional legends have found both critical acclaim and box-office success. Suriya's Karuppu recently received rave reviews for being on similar theme. As it is all set to arrive on OTT, have a look at these must-watch deity based folklore

Films on diety based folklore (Pics/IMDB)

1/13

Films on diety based folklore (Pics/IMDB)
Karuppu – Prime Video
Karuppu draws inspiration from Karuppasamy, a revered guardian deity worshipped across rural Tamil Nadu. The plot follows a helpless father who turns to Lord Karuppu for justice after a corrupt legal system exploits them, forcing the deity to take human form as a lawyer to fight systemic greed.

2/13

Karuppu – Prime Video

Karuppu draws inspiration from Karuppasamy, a revered guardian deity worshipped across rural Tamil Nadu. The plot follows a helpless father who turns to Lord Karuppu for justice after a corrupt legal system exploits them, forcing the deity to take human form as a lawyer to fight systemic greed.

Kantara – Prime Video
Kantara is deeply rooted in the folklore of coastal Karnataka and revolves around the worship of Panjurli, a revered Daiva (spirit deity) in the region's Bhoota Kola tradition. The story follows Shiva, a rebellious villager whose life becomes intertwined with divine forces, ancestral beliefs, and a conflict over forest land. Rishab Shetty starred in lead role and his performance got immense applaud.

3/13

Kantara – Prime Video

Kantara is deeply rooted in the folklore of coastal Karnataka and revolves around the worship of Panjurli, a revered Daiva (spirit deity) in the region's Bhoota Kola tradition. The story follows Shiva, a rebellious villager whose life becomes intertwined with divine forces, ancestral beliefs, and a conflict over forest land. Rishab Shetty starred in lead role and his performance got immense applaud.

Kantara: Chapter 1 – Prime Video
Kantara: Chapter 1 serves as a prequel to Kantara and delves deeper into the origins of the divine folklore that shaped the first film. Set during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty, the story explores the roots of the Bhoota Kola tradition and the worship of Daivas in coastal Karnataka.

4/13

Kantara: Chapter 1 – Prime Video

Kantara: Chapter 1 serves as a prequel to Kantara and delves deeper into the origins of the divine folklore that shaped the first film. Set during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty, the story explores the roots of the Bhoota Kola tradition and the worship of Daivas in coastal Karnataka.

Arundhati – Prime Video
Set in the early 20th century, Arundhati follows Jejamma, the courageous queen of the Gadwal Samsthanam, who stands against the ruthless and power-hungry Pasupathi.

5/13

Arundhati – Prime Video

Set in the early 20th century, Arundhati follows Jejamma, the courageous queen of the Gadwal Samsthanam, who stands against the ruthless and power-hungry Pasupathi.

Karthikeya – ZEE5
Karthikeya is centred around the mystery surrounding the ancient Subramanya Swamy Temple and the beliefs associated with Lord Kartikeya (Murugan). The story follows a young medical student, Karthik, who arrives in a village plagued by unexplained deaths and supernatural rumours.

6/13

Karthikeya – ZEE5

Karthikeya is centred around the mystery surrounding the ancient Subramanya Swamy Temple and the beliefs associated with Lord Kartikeya (Murugan). The story follows a young medical student, Karthik, who arrives in a village plagued by unexplained deaths and supernatural rumours.

Mookuthi Amman – JioHotstar
Mookuthi Amman revolves around the goddess Amman, who takes human form to help an ordinary family and protect devotees from a fraudulent godman exploiting people's faith. The fantasy comedy stars Nayanthara as the goddess Mookuthi Amman, alongside RJ Balaji, Urvashi, Smruthi Venkat, Madhu Mailankody, and Ajay Ghosh.

7/13

Mookuthi Amman – JioHotstar

Mookuthi Amman revolves around the goddess Amman, who takes human form to help an ordinary family and protect devotees from a fraudulent godman exploiting people's faith. The fantasy comedy stars Nayanthara as the goddess Mookuthi Amman, alongside RJ Balaji, Urvashi, Smruthi Venkat, Madhu Mailankody, and Ajay Ghosh.

Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra – JioHotstar
Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra follows Chandra, a mysterious young woman who discovers extraordinary powers as dark supernatural forces begin to threaten the world. Rooted in Kerala's folklore and mythology, the film sees her embrace her destiny and transform into a powerful protector fighting evil. The fantasy drama stars Kalyani Priyadarshan.

8/13

Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra – JioHotstar

Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra follows Chandra, a mysterious young woman who discovers extraordinary powers as dark supernatural forces begin to threaten the world. Rooted in Kerala's folklore and mythology, the film sees her embrace her destiny and transform into a powerful protector fighting evil. The fantasy drama stars Kalyani Priyadarshan.

HanuMan – ZEE5
Inspired by the legendary Hindu deity Lord Hanuman, HanuMan follows Hanumanthu, a young man from the village of Anjanadri who gains extraordinary powers after discovering a mystical gem. As evil forces seek to exploit its immense strength, he embraces his destiny and rises as a protector of his people. The film stars Teja Sajja in the lead role.

9/13

HanuMan – ZEE5

Inspired by the legendary Hindu deity Lord Hanuman, HanuMan follows Hanumanthu, a young man from the village of Anjanadri who gains extraordinary powers after discovering a mystical gem. As evil forces seek to exploit its immense strength, he embraces his destiny and rises as a protector of his people. The film stars Teja Sajja in the lead role.

Bramayugam – Sony LIV
Bramayugam draws from Kerala's rich folklore and supernatural myths, weaving a dark tale of power, faith, and ancient evil. The story follows Thevan, a folk singer who becomes trapped in a mysterious manor ruled by a powerful sorcerer with sinister secrets.

10/13

Bramayugam – Sony LIV

Bramayugam draws from Kerala's rich folklore and supernatural myths, weaving a dark tale of power, faith, and ancient evil. The story follows Thevan, a folk singer who becomes trapped in a mysterious manor ruled by a powerful sorcerer with sinister secrets.

OMG: Oh My God! – JioHotstar
OMG: Oh My God! revolves around an atheist shopkeeper (Paresh Rawal) whose life is turned upside down after an earthquake destroys his business. His journey takes a dramatic turn when Lord Krishna appears in human form to guide him and help expose those exploiting religion for personal gain.

11/13

OMG: Oh My God! – JioHotstar

OMG: Oh My God! revolves around an atheist shopkeeper (Paresh Rawal) whose life is turned upside down after an earthquake destroys his business. His journey takes a dramatic turn when Lord Krishna appears in human form to guide him and help expose those exploiting religion for personal gain.

Bulbbul – Netflix
Bulbbul draws inspiration from Bengali folklore surrounding the mythical chudail, a female spirit often associated with injustice and revenge. Set in late 19th-century Bengal, the story follows Bulbbul, a young woman who transforms into a supernatural force after enduring years of abuse and oppression.

12/13

Bulbbul – Netflix

Bulbbul draws inspiration from Bengali folklore surrounding the mythical chudail, a female spirit often associated with injustice and revenge. Set in late 19th-century Bengal, the story follows Bulbbul, a young woman who transforms into a supernatural force after enduring years of abuse and oppression.

Maa – JioHotstar
Maa draws inspiration from Indian mythological beliefs surrounding divine feminine energy and Goddess Durga. The story follows a mother who, pushed to the edge by dark and supernatural forces, transforms into a fierce, goddess-like protector to save her child and confront evil.

13/13

Maa – JioHotstar

Maa draws inspiration from Indian mythological beliefs surrounding divine feminine energy and Goddess Durga. The story follows a mother who, pushed to the edge by dark and supernatural forces, transforms into a fierce, goddess-like protector to save her child and confront evil.

Photo of Day

The people’s game

The people’s game

A boy playing football on the shore of Versova Jetty reminds us that we’re in for weeks of FIFA World Cup action. PIC/SHADAB KHAN

Advertisement