Director Ashwin Kumar on Mahavtar Narishimha success: Audiences spoke their hearts

India Today

2 days ago

Director Ashwin Kumar's 'Mahavatar Narishimha' has made an impressive mark at the box office, collecting over Rs 169 crore in 16 days. Speaking exclusively to India Today, Kumar described the achievement as 'overwhelming,' highlighting the unpredictable nature of box office success.While talking about the same, he said, 'When a film like this does Rs 100 crore in its first week, it's overwhelming. Honestly, it's very difficult to predict how big something will become. But the people have spoken, their hearts have spoken, and once faith is restored, there's no stopping it. We are the most diverse land of faith in the world, and perhaps the cultural resonance and spiritual connection touched people deeply. Did I think it would become this big? I knew something special would happen because the subject is powerful, but imagining it at this scale was difficult. Now it's begun to roar, and I'm curious to see where it goes.'advertisementHaving said that, Kumar explained what made the film different, He added how the audiences were treated to a unique animated experience, unlike anything typically seen in Indian cinema. He stated, 'I believe audiences were given a grand, otherworldly animated experience, something Indian cinema has rarely done. Our cinematic lens of Bharat and the industry that we have hasn't really embraced large-scale, sci-fi-like worlds. Some films have the nitty gritty of it, but a full feature hasn't, and I think that is what has resonated with the audience. Animation here is often seen as something for children or cartoons, but with this film, we broke that mindset. Of course, there is violence in the film, but the film's style is age-agnostic—anyone can watch it as a cinematic experience, and I think that is what is catching up with people.'
The director then emphasised the broader significance of this success for the Indian animation industry. 'This success should open doors for more animation films. Producers and creators need to understand that animation is a powerful medium—Hollywood, China, Japan, and Korea have shown this for years, often with animated films outperforming live action. In India, sadly, that hasn't been the case until now. I hope this film inspires producers to treat animation as seriously as live action. Also, the makers should understand animation to be at par or more than live action," he said.On why animation was the ideal medium for 'Mahavatar Narishimha', Kumar explained, 'For certain stories, especially fantastical ones, animation is the natural choice. For 'Mahavatar Narishimha', live action wouldn't have captured the scale, Narasimha Swami with eight arms, cosmic battles, entire universes collapsing. Animation allows you to go beyond live-action boundaries; your only limitation is your imagination. And no, you don't need star power if your content resonates. Whether or not a celebrity is involved, if the story connects, people will come.'Reflecting on the personal challenges and commitment involved, Kumar said, 'I gave everything, physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. For me, it was always do or do, die; death was never an option. When I am in, I am all in. Yes, did things get heavy, did it weigh me down? It did. But my faith in Narasimha Bhagwan again and again got instilled. With his divine presence, he gave me strength. I have always felt protected by him, and that kept me going.'advertisementFurther the director addressed speculation about the film's budget. 'There have been rumours that the film was made under Rs 15 crore, but the actual budget was Rs 40 crore, including P&A, which is still increasing with worldwide promotions. Yes, it shows that even with a smaller budget, you can create something spectacular if you're committed. The only thing that can stop you is yourself,' he clarified.The director also shared some of the most moving feedback he has received from viewers, stating, "The most touching feedback has been from people who had lost faith, some even feeling suicidal, who said the film brought their faith back. I've received messages from specially-abled children narrating the story. That connection—that it has touched hearts—is the real success.'On the film's performance amid other releases like 'Saiyaara', 'Son Of Sardar 2', and 'Dhadak 2', Kumar emphasised that competition was never the intention. He said, 'For any producer, it takes a lot—and a lot of courage—to create something like this. My producers, including my wife Shilpa, Apar Group, and Hombale Films, have done a great job carrying this film. But it was never our intent to throw anyone off guard. It just so happens that the people have spoken.'advertisement'This is a story of Bharat. From my heart, I'm giving it to the people of Bharat. It's not my film anymore—it's your film, everyone's film. You embrace it and take it to the pedestal where it deserves to be. I'm not saying other films are bad for any reason—it's just that audiences are embracing this right now. Saiyara has done good business, too, and people are embracing that film as well. I haven't watched Saiyara. But I'm not looking at it as competition. My perspective is simple—I have a story to tell, one that resonates deeply with my heart and soul. I know it will connect with your soul and with many others. That's all I'm here to present,' the director concluded.Earlier, speaking exclusively to India Today Digital, Chaluve Gowda, co-founder of Hombale Films, expressed his happiness seeing the success of 'Mahavatar Narsimha'. The makers also confirmed that work on the upcoming film, 'Mahavatar Parasuram' has already begun.- Ends