Reincarnation In Films | Part 01 | Under Lens

Films, like religions, across the globe are fascinated by the idea of reincarnation. Though West feels detached from the idea, East is simply enamored with it. However there are enough reference in popular culture across the boundaries that we can assume that every culture, in a way or other, has shown some interest in the idea. From Mark Twain and Edgar A. Poe to Anthony Horowitz, literature explored the idea. In a similar fashion, films toyed around the idea in great detail.

In silent era, cinema was highly influenced by folklore and fantasy stories. Though reincarnation was not as popular as morphing as an idea, it was still pretty much valued. Especially in Indian films which were woven around Indian Mythology. Stories of Nala Damyanti, Harishchandra, Vishnu Avatars etc. were huge resources incorporated the idea of reincarnation in Hindu scriptures. These stories became very popular among masses and even caught the imagination of West. West, however, didn’t explored this concept in great detail despite of having it as a recurring theme in Greek and Roman mythology. There are certain lost films in which characters died to take rebirth or transformation into an animal. These ideas were rarely detailed beyond a point. Europe was exploring abstract which had great influence on story telling in coming years.

With Sound and then Color Era, the idea of Reincarnation went a step ahead and beyond mythology. Films like Mahal and Madhumati became big hits. In sixties, Neel Kamal and Milan followed the trend in India. The Three Lives of Thomasina and Patton too had strong references of rebirth. Around this time, films were more romantic and the element of eternal love was put forth. It worked well with the audience. But more was in store for them.

Love stories were fading away and changes were challenging them.