Hare Krishna.

Is the movie RRR a retelling of the Ramayana from a contemporary perspective?

In terms of any conventional definition of retelling, it certainly is not. The movie centers around two freedom fighters from recent Indian history — characters who lived in modern times, with their own contexts and trajectories, far removed from the Ramayana era. So it’s not a retelling in the traditional sense.

However, there are striking thematic and symbolic parallels between the way these characters — and their fictionalized interactions — are portrayed in the movie and some events from the Ramayana.

Four Levels of Connection with the Ramayana

To explore this further, I’d like to look at RRR through four different levels of connection with the Ramayana:

1. For those who relish the Ramayana directly

Some people already have a deep devotional taste for the Ramayana. They love to hear it in its traditional, devotional, and ethical form. For them, there’s little to no need for contemporary parallels or reinterpretations. In fact, movies like RRR — which mix in romance, action, and mass appeal — may even act as distractions from their focused spiritual journey.

As Krishna is described in the Tenth Canto of the Bhagavatam, he can attract people at many levels — whether they seek transcendence or are attracted to worldly pleasures. Similarly, the Ramayana can also be accessed at various levels. But for those who already relish it directly, films like RRR may hold little value or relevance.

2. For the vast majority who are not spiritually inclined

However, most people don’t fall into the above category. They may not have a deep spiritual interest or connection with the Ramayana. For them, if themes from the Ramayana can be presented — even indirectly — through popular mediums like cinema, it can serve as a valuable introduction.

In the Bhagavad-gita (10.36), Krishna says, “I am adventure; I am victory.” In the Tenth Chapter, Vibhuti Yoga, Krishna encourages Arjuna to see the divine in various aspects of the world — including valor, adventure, and excitement. These elements are central to action films, and when people experience thrill, adventure, and the triumph of good over evil — they are, unknowingly, experiencing aspects of Krishna’s opulence.

Action as a Gateway to Divinity

Movies like those from the Marvel or DC Universes captivate people with action and adventure. If Indian cinema can create similarly compelling films — and weave in themes or visuals that resemble the Ramayana — then even the uninitiated may get glimpses of that spiritual narrative.

In RRR, there are some powerful symbolic parallels:

  • One character is broadly modeled on Rama — he uses a bow and arrow, carries himself with dignity and restraint, and fights for justice.

  • Another character, named Bheem, is loosely inspired by Hanuman. Hanuman and Bhima are both sons of Vayu (the wind god), and share traits of immense strength and loyalty.

For example, in one battle scene, Bheem carries the Rama-like character on his shoulders while fighting — visually reminiscent of Hanuman carrying Rama during his battles in some Ramayana tellings like Valmiki’s and more so in the Kamba Ramayana.

There’s also a plotline where the Rama-like character is held captive underground, and is rescued by the Hanuman-like figure — echoing the episode where Hanuman rescues Rama from Mahiravana’s underground lair in some versions of the Ramayana tradition.

Even in the trailer, there’s a strong iconographic portrayal of the Ram-like figure wielding a bow and arrow. At one point, the Hanuman-like character says, “I will reunite Ram and Sita.” Whether these parallels are intentional or coincidental, they are unmistakably evocative.

Are We Stretching the Comparison?

Some might ask: Are we stretching things by seeing these similarities? Maybe. Maybe not.

We can’t know for sure what was in the hearts of the filmmakers. But even if they didn’t intend it, the parallels still hold value — they reflect how timeless themes find their way into contemporary stories.

The Christian author C.S. Lewis offers a powerful example. He wrote The Chronicles of Narnia, a fantasy series rich with symbolism from the life of Christ. Children around the world read and love those books, and while many may not make the connection to Christianity, some do — and for them, the story becomes a bridge to spiritual inquiry.

C.S. Lewis categorized stories into three types:

  1. Scriptural narratives — directly spiritual and philosophical.

  2. Completely secular fiction — with no relation to spirituality.

  3. Symbolic fiction — that points toward spiritual truths.

RRR could fit into the third category. For some, it may just be an action film. For others, it could spark curiosity about Rama and Hanuman, leading them to explore the Ramayana.

Different Audiences, Different Impacts

Let’s summarize the four levels of engagement:

  1. The Spiritually Satisfied — For those who relish the Ramayana directly, RRR may be unnecessary or even distracting.

  2. The Spiritually Curious — For those who are familiar with the Ramayana, the movie’s parallels may deepen their interest.

  3. The Spiritually Unaware — For those with no exposure to the Ramayana, the film may become their first encounter with its characters and values.

  4. The Spiritual Facilitators — For devotees doing outreach, RRR can serve as an icebreaker, a starting point for conversation, bridging popular culture with timeless wisdom.

Conclusion

So is RRR a retelling of the Ramayana? Not in the traditional sense. But it contains symbolic echoes that can awaken spiritual curiosity.

Rather than dismissing such movies as mundane, we can recognize and utilize their potential. If people are going to watch movies anyway, why not support stories that hint at deeper truths?

By connecting popular entertainment with spiritual meaning, we can help guide people toward greater awareness, reflection, and ultimately, transformation.

Thank you. Hare Krishna.