When Mahavtar Narsimha stormed past Rs 250 crore at the Indian box office, it didn’t just rewrite the rules for animation in India it shattered them. It became the highest grossing Indian animation film by beating films like Rajinikanth’s Kochadaiiyaan and Chaar Saahibzaade. Week after week, the film held its ground with the kind of consistency traditionally reserved for mainstream live-action spectacles. The film was originally in Kannada languages but it was the Hindi version which drove most of its collection, such was the craze for the film that it went on to be become the 51st biggest hit of Hindi cinema beating films like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 ,
Bajirao Mastani, Housefull 5 and War 2. Below is the breakdown of its weekly collection.
Week
Total India Net (All Languages)
Week 1
Rs 44.75 Cr
Week 2
Rs 73.40 Cr
Week 3
Rs 70.20 Cr
Week 4
Rs 30.40 Cr
Week 5
Rs 19.50 Cr
Week 6
Rs 8.20 Cr
Week 7
Rs 2.70 Cr
Week 8
Rs 1.14 Cr
For writer-director
Ashwin Kumar, this reception wasn’t just commercial validation -it was spiritual confirmation.
All the love that we have received through Mahatma Narasimha is basically a proof of work for us and it is a validation in many ways that if done with heart and if done with the proper intent to serve the divine mission, things can really work out…” he reflects.
This “divine mission” philosophy -an intent to create not merely entertainment but an experience anchored in faith -appears to have been a key element in the film’s prolonged theatrical shelf life. Unlike typical animation titles that peak in the opening weekend, Mahavtar Narsimha grew stronger, powered by families, spiritual communities, repeat audiences, and a surprisingly wide adult demographic.
“ This really tells us about the psyche of the viewers and the consumers at large that if the content is right and if the storytelling is at point and touches the heart, touches the soul and is enduring, then they will embrace even an animated feature. .”
A ‘Spiritual Experience’ That Resonated Across Ages
Many parents described the film as more than a movie -they called it spiritually moving, emotionally immersive, even transformative for children. Audiences frequently returned for second and third viewings, bringing extended family.
While Kumar doesn’t directly address these anecdotes one by one, he explains why he believes the film struck such a chord.
“The story of Bhagawan Narasimha resonates through the culture of this land since time immemorial… So, it was very important that we start the Mahavatar cinematic universe with showing enough power and protection at the same time, showing the marvellous grandeur at the same time and anchoring it all into faith.”
So, the story of Bhagawan Narasimha resonates through the culture of this land since time immemorial and there are spiritual traditions and faith based sects in India who revere Lord Narasimha as their Ishtadev. So, it was very important that we start the Mahavatar cinematic universe with showing enough power and protection at the same time and showing the marvellous grandeur and anchoring it all into faith as the world truly something to hold on to. Mahavatar Narasimha is a story that dwells around the faith of a five-year-old boy Prahlad for whom even the supreme personality manifests himself to protect.”
In other words, the devotional impact wasn’t accidental -it was intentional. The choice to begin with the Narsimha avatar wasn’t merely a creative decision but a thematic one. The story’s core -a child’s unshakeable faith -offered Kumar the emotional entry point he wanted for the epic universe he envisions.
A Turning Point for Indian Animation?
The reception to Mahavtar Narsimha appears to have triggered a surge in confidence across the industry. Suddenly, Indian animation is a viable theatrical contender.
“Most definitely the perception of Indian animation has shifted after Mahavatar Narasimha… more producers are taking chances with animation… because they feel economically it is beneficial…”
He sees the ripple effect already unfolding:
“Yes, with Netflix's Kurukshetra and Bahubali- The Eternal War, we see the trend being taken forward… we've been waiting for so many years for Indian animation to really shine on the global stage and I believe that time is coming.”
To him, this isn’t just good news -it’s a structural shift.
“I think this is going to bring more and more hinterland based storytelling to the mainstream and it's going to bring many jobs… many ancillary industries along with it.”
AI and the Future of Storytelling
One of the most striking aspects of Kumar’s vision is his openness toward AI -but with a strong ethical boundary.
He doesn’t believe in prompt-based, one-click generation. Instead, he sees AI as a powerful accelerator for ideation, iteration, and world-building.
“AI is going to be a boon for the content creators at large… but I'm not a fan of prompt-based engineered AI. It's AI as a tool to facilitate storytelling, that's where I see it.”
He anticipates a democratisation of filmmaking:
“…you will sooner than later have a lot of micro AI filmmakers who are going to change the landscape of the industry.”
And yes -AI will be integral to the remaining six Mahavatar films.
“For the next six, seven Mahavatar films, AI is going to play an integral role as a tech upgrade and using it ethically so that it becomes more of a storytelling tool…”
Mahavtar Universe
There are going to be six more films under the Mahavatar Universe
2027: Mahavatar Parshuram
2029: Mahavatar Raghunandan
2031: Mahavatar Dwarkadhish
2033: Mahavatar Gokulananda
2035: Mahavatar Kalki Part 1
2037: Mahavatar Kalki Part 2
Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here
Start a Conversation
Post comment