The epic tale of the Ramayana has been a constant source of inspiration for Bollywood filmmakers, resulting in numerous adaptations and interpretations over the years. These films, ranging from direct retellings to loosely inspired narratives, showcase the epic's enduring appeal and its ability to resonate with contemporary audiences. Here are seven Bollywood films that have drawn inspiration from the Ramayana:

1. Adipurush (2023): Directed by Om Raut, Adipurush is a mythological action film directly inspired by the Ramayana. Prabhas stars as Rama, Kriti Sanon as Sita, and Saif Ali Khan as Ravana. While the film aimed to reimagine the epic with modern technology, it was heavily criticized for its screenplay, dialogues, and visuals.

2. Raavan (2010): Mani Ratnam's Raavan offers a unique perspective by narrating the Ramayana from the antagonist's point of view. Abhishek Bachchan plays Beera Munda, a character inspired by Ravana, while Aishwarya Rai Bachchan portrays Ragini, who mirrors Sita. The film presents a modern take on the epic's core themes of love, betrayal, and revenge.

3. RRR (2022): S.S. Rajamouli's RRR borrows elements from both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The film's protagonists, Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) and Komaram Bheem (Jr. NTR), embody the qualities of Rama and Bhima, respectively. Alia Bhatt's character is inspired by Sita. RRR uses these mythological parallels to enhance its story of revolution and friendship.

4. Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999): This family drama, directed by Sooraj R. Barjatya, subtly draws inspiration from the Ramayana. The film's themes of familial bonds, unity, and exile mirror the relationships and events in the epic. The bond between the stepbrothers in the movie is similar to that of Lord Rama and his brothers.

5. Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017): The second part of S.S. Rajamouli's Baahubali series takes inspiration from the Ramayana, particularly the exile of Baahubali (Prabhas) and Devasena (Anushka Shetty) from the royal palace. Rajamouli himself has acknowledged the influence of the Ramayana and Mahabharata on his work.

6. Singham Again (Upcoming): Rohit Shetty's upcoming action film Singham Again is said to be inspired by the Ramayana, with Ajay Devgn's character drawing inspiration from Lord Rama. Kareena Kapoor Khan's character is based on Sita, and Arjun Kapoor plays the antagonist, a modern take on Ravana. Tiger Shroff's character is shown as Lakshman.

7. Ram Setu (2022): This action-adventure film revolves around the Ram Setu, the bridge believed to have been built by Lord Rama's army to reach Lanka. The film explores the bridge's historical and mythological significance, weaving a narrative around the Ramayana.

Upcoming adaptations, such as Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana, are generating significant buzz. This two-part film, with a massive budget, aims to be a visually stunning and authentic retelling of the epic, with Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana. The first part is slated for release in Diwali 2026.