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Ashwin Kumar’s animated film Mahavatar Narsimha has earned over Rs 145 crore in 17 days, resonating with audiences of various faiths, including Muslims.

A poster of the film.
When Ashwin Kumar released his animated film Mahavatar Narsimha, he expected it to connect with fans of Hindu mythology. What he didn’t expect was the number of viewers from completely different faiths who would stop him to share how the movie touched their hearts. Some, he says, were Muslim audience members who told him the story had strengthened their own faith. In just 17 days, the film has earned over Rs 145 crore in India. For Kumar, the success is proof that stories about love and faith can speak to everyone, no matter who they pray to.
Audience’ reactions across faiths
Speaking to NDTV, Kumar explained that the film’s appeal goes beyond its Hindu mythological roots. “I’ve had people from different communities, including many Muslim viewers, come up to me and say that the film strengthened their own faith. I’m not saying go convert your religion. What I’m saying is, you understand what faith is. Whether you pray to a God, believe in energy, or place your trust in the universe, this film simply asks you to surrender to that faith,” he said.
The director emphasised that Mahavatar Narsimha is not aimed solely at a religious audience. “This is not a religious film. It’s an interreligious faith film. Because love, it is a universal emotion. So is faith. Hence the film is growing in leaps and bounds,” Kumar added.
Story and concept
The film recounts the tale of Hirankashyap, a tyrant king granted near-invincibility by Lord Brahma. When he persecutes his own son Prahlada, a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, the deity assumes the form of Narsimha, half-man, half-lion, to save the child.
Mahavatar Narsimha is the first release in the planned Mahavatar series, which will depict all ten avatars of Vishnu.
Building the Mahavatar universe
The project is a collaboration between Hombale Films, the studio behind Kantara and the KGF franchise, and Kleem Productions, led by Shilpa Dhawan, who is also Kumar’s wife.
Dhawan revealed that Hombale Films backed the full series from the outset. “When we first reached out to Hombale Films, they immediately came on board for all films of the Mahavatar Universe. They wanted to back the entire universe. That kind of conviction gave us the confidence to announce all the films before even releasing the first,” she said.
The cinematic universe will unfold over more than a decade, with each film exploring a different incarnation of Vishnu. The announced lineup includes:
Mahavatar Narsimha (2025)
Mahavatar Parshuram (2027)
Mahavatar Raghunandan (2029)
Mahavatar Dwarkadhish (2031)
Mahavatar Gokulananda (2033)
Mahavatar Kalki – Part 1 (2035)
Mahavatar Kalki – Part 2 (2037)
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