The Mahavatar Cinematic Universe announced by KGF and Salaar makers (read Hombale Films) has left the audience with more questions than answers. Over the next 12 years, seven MCU films will be released. Mahavatar Narsimha (25th July-2025) is the first one. There are two films on Lord Krishna (to be released in 2031 and 2033), while two others will revolve around the upcoming Lord Vishnu avatar, Kalki (to be released in 2035 and 2037). A film on Parasuram will be released in 2027.
While the canvas looks grand, these will be animation films. While the Indian animation industry is experiencing significant growth, particularly in outsourcing and content for OTT platforms, animated films for theatrical release still face a relatively weak market in India compared to live-action films. Indians believe that animation is primarily for young children. There's a notable absence of mature, universally appealing animated films that cater to a wider demographic, as seen in the West. Will the Mahavatar Cinematic Universe change the game? It's a challenging mission for Hombale Films.
In an article published a few years ago, a Bollywood producer said, "A large portion of Indian animated films often re-tells mythological tales. While culturally relevant, this repetition can lead to a lack of fresh narratives."
Will the new cinematic universe be able to change the trend? We will find out a few years from now.
