It is one thing to play a villain in a movie, and it is another thing to portray a character that everyone hates with a passion. While there have been several villains, some characters exude menacing vibes that resemble those of a venomous snake. If you're wondering why we're having this sudden comparison of movie characters with snakes, it's because today marks Nag Panchami 2023.

August 21 is seen as Nag Panchami, the festival where Hindus worship serpents and snakes. It is celebrated throughout India, Nepal, and other countries that follow Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism.

Why is Nag Panchami 2023 celebrated?

On this auspicious day, Lord Krishna defeated the venomous snake Kaliya Nag. This is when the menacing snake and his family realized Krishna was no ordinary kid. They begged for his mercy, and Lord Krishna let them go after a promise that they wouldn't harass the residents of Gokul.

Nag Panchami also falls during the auspicious month of Shravan. Nagas, or snakes, are considered Lord Shiva's message to devotees and commoners to keep their egos under control. The head of the snake also symbolizes upward growth when one embarks on a spiritual journey.

Indian movie characters that were as venomous as a snake

Movies have the power to transport us along with their characters' journeys. While we adore some, we hate others with a passion. On Nag Panchami 2023, let's see who made it to this quisling list.

1. Guru Raghav Chetan, Padmaavat

Who knew your guru could also turn out to be the biggest snake, metaphorically? Guru Raghav Chetan was Shahid Kapoor's mentor, whom he worshipped blindly. When the Rajput ruler married Padmaavati, the most beautiful woman, Chetan was enticed by her beauty and fierceness.

His one unwarranted move made the king ask his guru to surrender his position and power. This is when Raghav Chetan sides with the enemy, and the rest is history.

2. Bijjaladeva, Baahubali

This Indian movie character was out-and-out venomous and spiteful. Bijjaladeva provoked Bhallaldeva (Rana Daggubati) to go against his brother for the throne. Basically, Bijjaladeva was the Cersei of Game of Thrones.

3. Vikram Sethi, Ittefaq

Sidharth Malhotra took How to Get Away with Murder a little too literally in Ittefaq. How to frame two innocents in a murder committed by a best-selling author is more swindling than a venomous snake.

4. Shruti, Student of the Year

While some characters are out-and-out villainous, others pretend to be your friends only to know they were never really your well-wishers. With friends like Shruti, who needs enemies? Shruti pretended to be Shanaya's (Alia Bhatt's) best friend. However, the way she acts against her during the competition definitely gives us major snake energy.

5. Smita Sangha, Dil Dhadakne Do

If there was a face to celebrate Nag Panchami 2023, Smita Sangha (Zarina Wahab) from Dil Dhadakne Do would be an apt one. Priyanka Chopra's mother-in-law is a typical example of a mysogynistic woman who was envious of how opinionated her daughter-in-law was. The scene where PeeCee's family supports her decision to divorce remains our favorite.

Which of these spiteful characters do you feel has major snake energy? Radio City wishes you a happy Nag Panchami 2023.