India’s Cinematic Universe Craze Just Got Wilder!

From Baahubali and Stree to Hanu-Man, Kantara, Mahavatar Narasimha, and Lokah: Chapter 1 — these films share one thing. They all weave mythology and folklore into ambitious franchises that feel deeply Indian yet globally appealing.

Filmmakers are now turning India’s cultural roots into cinematic universes that blend legend with imagination. It’s a creative shift that celebrates tradition while pushing visual storytelling into bold new territory.

Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 dives deeper into the world of Guligas, guardian deities worshipped in Tulu Nadu. The filmmaker has already teased more stories from this universe, expanding its mystical world even further.

Lokah: Chapter 1 brings India its first female superhero, inspired by Kerala’s folklore. Director Dominic Arun plans a five-part series introducing legendary characters like Neeli, Odiyan, Chathan, and Moothon, bridging myth with modern fantasy.

Meanwhile, Prasanth Varma is building a superhero saga from Indian epics. His Hanu-Man, based on Hanuman mythology, already won a National Film Award, with six heroes planned for Phase One of his universe.

The Mahavatar Cinematic Universe is also rising through animation. Starting with Mahavatar Narasimha, it reimagines ancient myths in digital form, with six more films lined up between 2027 and 2037.

Then there’s Maddock Films’ Stree, a sleeper hit that turned rituals and urban legends into a blockbuster. Its success sparked an entire horror-comedy universe, with sequels and spin-offs scheduled through 2028.

But where did this frenzy begin? A decade ago, S.S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali changed everything. It proved that Indian mythology-based cinema could command global attention — and profits — inspiring the birth of multiple universes.

Before Baahubali, only Hollywood’s Marvel, DC, and Star Wars franchises had mastered shared worlds. After it, Indian creators realised they could do the same — and do it in their own language, with their own legends.

Today, along with modern-day setups like the YRF Spyverse and Lokesh Cinematic Universe, myth-based franchises are rapidly multiplying. Each new project aims to balance faith, folklore, and fantasy — a task that demands care and creativity.

This trend isn’t without risk. Reimagining stories passed down for centuries can invite both love and backlash. Yet, when done right, it gives us unforgettable films like Stree, Lokah, and Kantara — stories that feel timeless and proudly Indian.