The Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics of India, has inspired numerous adaptations across the globe, including in foreign languages. Here are some notable films based on the Mahabharata produced in various foreign languages:
English
"The Mahabharata" (1989): Directed by Peter Brook,
this film is an adaptation of the director's own stage play of the same name.
It condenses the epic into a six-hour performance, and later, a three-hour
movie.
"Arjun: The Warrior Prince" (2012): A
collaboration between UTV Motion Pictures and Walt Disney Pictures, this
animated film focuses on the life of Arjuna, one of the Pandava princes.
Japanese
"Mahabharata" (1991): Directed by Junji Sakamoto,
this film is a Japanese interpretation of the Indian epic.
Indonesian
"Saur Sepuh" Series: A series of Indonesian films
and television series, drawing heavily from the themes and stories of the
Mahabharata and other Javanese adaptations of Indian epics.
Thai
"The Legend of Mahajanaka" (2014): A Thai animated
film inspired by the Mahabharata and other Buddhist Jataka tales, produced
under the patronage of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Greek
"Mahabharata" (2006): Directed by Spiros
Stathoulopoulos, this Greek film is a modern interpretation that blends
elements of the epic with contemporary Greek settings and issues.
Russian
"Krishna: The Birth" (1987): This Soviet film
focuses on the life of Krishna, a central figure in the Mahabharata,
particularly his early years.
French
"Le Mahabharata" (1989): Another notable work by
Peter Brook, initially produced as a TV mini-series in French before being
adapted into the English-language film mentioned above.
Indonesian-Japanese
"Mahabharata" (2014): An Indonesian-Japanese
collaboration for a TV series, reimagining the epic in a modern context while
maintaining the core themes and characters.
Other Noteworthy Mentions
"The Broken Crown" (2016): A Filipino TV series
inspired by the Mahabharata, blending it with local myths and legends.
These adaptations showcase the universal appeal and timeless
nature of the Mahabharata, resonating with diverse cultures and languages
around the world.