It’s natural for a movie inspired by the Mahabharata to feature a character representing Lord Krishna, as seen in Nag Ashwin’s recent movie Kalki 2898 AD. The portrayal of this iconic figure in the film was shrouded in mystery, as the actor's identity was not revealed, leading to speculations that it could have been Tamil actor Krishnakumar aka KK. This character’s presence had a significant impact on the storyline. Let’s explore other instances where the character of Krishna has made notable appearances in films:
OMG: Oh My God! (2012)
In this Hindi film, Akshay Kumar takes on the role of Lord Krishna, providing guidance to Paresh Rawal's character during challenging situations. The movie presents a contemporary interpretation of the divine persona, with Akshay Kumar’s Krishna depicted in modern attire, riding a motorcycle, and offering advice relevant to the present times while retaining the essence of traditional Lord Krishna.
Nandanam (2002)
This Malayalam movie, starring Prithviraj and Navya Nair, portrays Lord Krishna in the form of Guruvyurappan, embodied by actor Aravind Akash as a common man. Initially perceived as a neighbour’s son dressed in simple clothing, it is revealed towards the climax that he was Krishna all along, enlightening the female lead character.
Krishnarjuna (2008)
Nagarjuna’s portrayal of Lord Krishna in the Telugu film Krishnarjuna, loosely inspired by Bruce Almighty, revolutionized Tollywood’s cinematic portrayal of the deity. Diverging from the conventional dhoti and ornate jewelry, Nagarjuna’s Krishna flaunted designer outfits and an urban charisma, bridging the gap between a divine figure and a relatable action hero in contemporary narratives.
Biriyani (2013)
In a comedy,In the Tamil film Biriyani, Karthi's character orchestrates a setup for his friend with a woman. As all his predictions come true, the friend gazes at him in admiration before a quick cut to Karthi transforming into Krishna. This scene illustrates the belief that God manifests in familiar forms to individuals.
In the Malayalam film Mr Butler (2000), Dileep portrays a charming chef who unintentionally attracts women. In one sequence, he dresses as Lord Krishna, symbolizing his popularity among women. While Lord Krishna is typically associated with love and protection due to his many wives, the film portrays this aspect as flirtatious.
Gopala Gopala (2015) showcases Pawan Kalyan as Govinda Gopala Hari, a modern-day portrayal of Lord Krishna in a Telugu film. Balancing divinity and humanity, his character appears as a celestial being cloaked in contemporary style, offering wisdom in a relatable manner, blending spiritual essence with everyday life.
In the Tamil film Goa (2010), Premgi Amaren portrays a rebellious youth. However, in the lighthearted song Vaaliba Vaa Vaa, he is dressed as Krishna, bringing a positive portrayal of a homosexual relationship during a period marked by stereotypes.
