Ekta Kapoor's Naagin Film Vision: Priyanka Chopra Was the Original Choice
In a recent revelation, producer Ekta Kapoor has shared that she initially envisioned a film based on Indian folklore titled Naagin, with Priyanka Chopra as the lead actress. However, the project never materialized as Chopra relocated to America, prompting Kapoor to adapt the concept into a highly successful television series.
The Rise of Folklore in Indian Cinema
Mythological and folklore-based stories have gained immense popularity in Indian cinema in recent years. While South Indian films like Karthikeya, Kalki, and Kantara pioneered this trend, Bollywood has embraced it with projects such as Adipurush, Brahmastra, and the upcoming Varanasi by SS Rajamouli, along with the Ranbir Kapoor and Yash-starrer Ramayana. Kapoor's idea for a Naagin film predates this mainstream wave, showcasing her foresight in tapping into India's rich cultural narratives.
Ekta Kapoor's Critique of Indian Audiences
In an interview with Usha Kakade Productions, Kapoor expressed her views on how Indian audiences often overlook homegrown folklore. "India underestimates folklore," she stated. "Mythology in India is deeply instilled in the people of this country. We grew up listening to these stories from our grandparents. Every kid in India knows that a naagin takes revenge. Yet, we watch movies like Batman and Superman, but we don't care to show our Indian folklore on our screens—be it television or film."
The Original Naagin Film Plan
Kapoor recalled that Naagin was first conceived as a feature film after the success of The Dirty Picture. She approached two major Bollywood actresses with the concept. "I first wanted to make a film called Naagin. I had even gone to two big stars with the story—one said yes, the other refused. The actress who said yes went off to America. It was at that time that I decided to make Naagin into a television show," she explained.
Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif's Responses
While Kapoor did not name the actresses in the recent interview, she had previously disclosed in a Film Companion interview that Priyanka Chopra was the one who agreed to the role, while Katrina Kaif declined. Kapoor recounted, "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 I wanted to make something pathbreaking after Dirty Picture. When I said Naagin, she looked at me like I had smoked something really nice. Of course, that's a joke. She was like, 'Are you serious? Will people watch something called Naagin in today's time?' Then I went to PC—it was around the time she was going abroad."
Clarification and Praise for the Actresses
In a follow-up interview with Pinkvilla, Kapoor clarified her remarks, emphasizing that both actresses are highly respected. "I should have explained it better. They didn't fully understand how big folklore is in India. Priyanka Chopra had said yes; Katrina didn't quite grasp the scale of folklore at that time. But both these women are incredible. I admire and love them, and I hope to work with them in the future," she said. Kapoor also praised Kaif for building her career without a film background and Chopra for her exceptional achievements.
Shraddha Kapoor's Naagin Trilogy
Years after the initial plan, producer Nikhil Dwivedi announced a Naagin film trilogy starring Shraddha Kapoor in 2020. Kapoor expressed her excitement on social media, stating, "It's an absolute delight for me to play a Naagin on screen. I have grown up watching, admiring, and idolising Sridevi ma'am in Nagina and Nigahein, and have always wanted to portray a similar role rooted in Indian traditional folklore." This project aims to delve into the lore of shape-shifting naagins, continuing the legacy of earlier films like Jaani Dushman (1979), Nagina (1986), and Nigahen (1989).
The Television Success of Naagin
Ekta Kapoor launched the Naagin television series in 2015 with Mouni Roy as the lead. The show has become one of the most popular series on Indian television, with six seasons completed and a seventh currently in production. This adaptation has consistently attracted audiences, proving the enduring appeal of folklore-based content in India.
