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Mythological Cinematic Universes Redefine the Future of Indian Cinema
5 Oct
Summary
- Indian filmmakers are building ambitious cinematic universes using mythology and folklore
- Successful examples include Baahubali, Kantara, and the Mahavatar Cinematic Universe
- Filmmakers see vast potential in India's rich cultural heritage for world-building
As of October 2025, Indian cinema is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with filmmakers increasingly turning to the country's rich tapestry of mythology and folklore to build ambitious cinematic universes. These interconnected storytelling ecosystems are redefining the industry, offering audiences fresh, entertaining takes on ancient tales.
The trend is exemplified by recent pan-Indian blockbusters like Baahubali, Stree, Hanu-Man, and Kantara, which have successfully leveraged mythology and folklore to create immersive cinematic worlds. Producers like Shobu Yarlagadda of the Baahubali franchise and Dominic Arun of the upcoming Lokah series have emphasized the vast potential in India's cultural heritage for world-building.
Filmmakers are finding that these mythological and folkloric stories, deeply rooted in the collective memory of Indian audiences, provide a unique advantage. By reimagining these familiar narratives in visually spectacular ways, they are forging a new cultural connection between ancient stories and contemporary viewers. The success of animated films like Mahavatar Narasimha has further demonstrated the power of mythological storytelling on the big screen.
As Indian cinema embraces its rich heritage, it is not simply emulating Western models, but creating something distinctly its own. With cutting-edge technology, sophisticated world-building practices, and a deep well of source material, these cinematic universes are redefining the future of the industry, one mythological tale at a time.
