Top 5 Worst Indian Mythological TV Serials: Distorting Myths for TRPs

Indian mythology, rich in ancient legends and deep cultural meaning, has been a goldmine for television producers. However, not all serials dedicated to these legends have done justice to the rich tapestry of Indian myths. Some serials have been criticized for distorting stories and character dynamics purely to attract higher TRPs (Television Rating Points). This article explores five such television serials that received considerable criticism for their lack of respect towards the original mythology.

1. Siyaram Ke Ram: A Deviation from Ramayana

Siyaram Ke Ram, based on the Adbhut Ramayayan book, has been widely criticized for its biased and distorted portrayal of the Ramayana myth. The series is considered one of the worst Ramayana serials made in India. While the visual effects (VFX) received some praise, the overall narrative and character depiction were heavily criticized.

According to the series, Ravan's elder brother was created after Ravan's death, which is an outright departure from the original myth. The character of Ram is portrayed as possessive and more of a romantic partner than a warrior prince, with significant scenes focusing on emotional connections rather than warrior qualities. The most controversial aspect is the extended conversation between Sita and Ravan before Sita's kidnapping, which took nearly 20 minutes. This completely subverts the dramatic and concise narrative of the original text. The actors in this serial, while visually appealing, have been criticized for a lack of substance in their performances.

2. Luv Kush Swastik Production Serial 2019: A Disastrous Ramayana Serial

This serial, released in 2019, stands out as one of the worst Ramayana adaptations. The plot twist where Maitali, the charioteer of Ram, accidentally leads Ravan to Sita and his subsequent capture is highly criticized. The series is so laden with errors that any further review is superfluous.

3. Ekta Kapoor's Mahabharat: A Roman Myth Serial

While Mahabharat under Ekta Kapoor’s production values was still one of the most-watched serials, it is often criticized for lacking authenticity. The portrayal of characters and events departed so far from the original that it’s more akin to a Roman myth interpretation.

4. Maa Kali Anth Aramb Hai: A Costume Fiasco

Maa Kali Anth Aramb Hai is notorious for its disastrous costume design. The aesthetic representations of Hindu goddesses like Maa Lakshmi and Maa Saraswati are criticized for looking more like Greek or European gods. Maa Kali further compounds this by having the goddesses wear body armor and other modernized attire during combat scenes, which is entirely out of context with the mythological period.

5. Devaon Ke Mahadev: Obsession with Ahilya Story

Devaon Ke Mahadev has been heavily criticized for its excessive focus on the Ahilya narrative, which detracts from the overall story and character development. The serial is plagued by unnecessary retellings of similar episodes and a pervasive obsession with the Indra-Ahilya storyline, despite it being a minor subplot.

While there are arguments for some devotional serials like Parivaravatar and Vikram Aur Beeyal Amra containing grave issues, they do have some redeeming qualities. However, the worst serials among these include Sri Krishna, Sankota Mochan, and Jai Hanuman Sankot Mochan 2022, which are generally considered to be inferior adaptations of stories that should be sacred to the Indian audience.

It is important to maintain a balance between artistic license and respect for the original myths. Serials should strive to maintain the essence of the stories to honor the rich cultural heritage of India. Producers and network managers must be mindful of their responsibility to the cultural fabric of the country while also ensuring entertainment standards are met.