As Ranbir Kapoor gears up for Ramayana, the newest take on Indian mythology is a 5-minute AI film on the Bhagavad Gita
Filmmaker Ram Madhvani, best known for Neerja (2016) and Aarya, is now stepping into the world of immersive media with a bold new project that uses artificial intelligence and virtual reality to reinterpret one of India's most revered spiritual texts. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Madhvani revealed that this short film — developed quietly over two years — is currently being screened in private previews. While it may be just five minutes long, the project is far from small in ambition. It's a proof of concept for something far more expansive: Madhvani hopes to eventually cover all 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita and ultimately reimagine the entire Mahabharata in VR. 'In VR we have an opportunity to restore the sanctity of immersive storytelling. And what better source than epics and texts that have endured for centuries?' he said.
For Madhvani, this isn't just about mythological content — it's about creating a transformative experience. He believes that spiritual and philosophical narratives hold a rare power in the Indian psyche. The goal? To use VR and AI to evoke a genuine feeling of divinity in the viewer — particularly for younger generations who may be spiritually curious but emotionally disconnected from ancient texts. He aims to imbue the viewer with a profound feeling of divinity, an experience he feels a younger generation might particularly benefit from.
But this vision isn't limited to private headsets or niche tech events. As revealed in an interview with AdGully, Madhvani plans to take VR experiences to temples and tourist sites across India — imagine experiencing the miracles of Shirdi Sai Baba or the construction of the Taj Mahal through immersive visuals, right at the physical locations themselves.
It's a dramatic pivot for a director known for emotionally grounded, real-world stories which have won him many awards and international nominations. But if there's one thing Madhvani knows how to do, it's scale intimate narratives into something universal — and now, possibly spiritual.
And so, the question stands: Do we need this AI-powered Gita experience? Maybe not, but we're getting it anyway.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
When theaters turn sacred: How films like ‘Mahavatar Narsimha,' ‘Kantara,' ‘HanuMan,' and ‘Adipurush' transform cinema into a spiritual experience
When theaters turn sacred: How films like 'Mahavatar Narsimha,' 'Kantara,' 'HanuMan,' and 'Adipurush' transform cinema into a spiritual experience Cinema has always been a reflection of human emotion—it can make us laugh, cry, think, and even challenge our beliefs. But every once in a while, a film does something more. It transcends entertainment, evoking a spiritual connection so profound that theaters themselves feel transformed into temples. The latest example is Mahavatar Narsimha, a mythological spectacle that is not only ruling the box office but also capturing the hearts and minds of audiences across India. A tradition rooted in the past This phenomenon isn't new. In the 1970s, devotional films like Jai Santoshi Maa witnessed unprecedented audience devotion. People brought flowers, lit incense sticks, performed aartis inside cinema halls, and even distributed prasad. For many, the screenings were as sacred as temple visits. The same tradition has found a modern revival. With Mahavatar Narsimha and other films in this genre, audiences are once again blurring the lines between watching a film and participating in a religious ritual. The divine pull of 'Mahavatar Narsimha' The film narrates the timeless tale of devotee Prahlad and his unwavering faith in Lord Vishnu. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 1, 2 & 3 BHK Apartments Starting at ₹79L* Ramky Lumina Undo Prahlad's father, the tyrant king Hiranyakashipu, deems Vishnu his enemy and makes repeated attempts to kill his own son. But as the legend goes, the Lord himself descends in the form of Narsimha—half man, half lion—to protect his devotee and destroy evil. Audiences have been left awestruck, not just by the film's visual grandeur and animation but by the divine aura it creates. In many theaters, people are removing their shoes before entering, as if stepping into a temple. Others are chanting mantras and slokas during the climax, their voices echoing in the dark halls. The film's makers recently shared a heartfelt note on social media, saying: 'We are humbled and overwhelmed by the divine response to Mahavatar Narsimha. What began as a cinematic dream has now become a spiritual movement across the country. Theaters have turned into sacred spaces, with devotees performing kirtans, singing aartis, and experiencing a deep connection with Narsimha Dev. This film was never just a movie; it was a vision to rekindle faith and celebrate our rich spiritual heritage. Seeing people from all walks of life come together in devotion is the greatest reward we could have imagined.' They further added, 'Your love proves that Bharat is ready and eager for stories rooted in our shastras and dharma. This is just the beginning—with your blessings, we will continue to bring such powerful stories to life.' The 'Kantara' phenomenon Just a couple of years ago, Rishab Shetty's Kantara created a similar impact. Rooted in the folklore and traditions of coastal Karnataka, the film culminated in a spiritually charged climax that left audiences spellbound. There were even reports of people experiencing trance-like states and feeling 'possessed' during the final sequences, a testament to the film's deep cultural resonance. The film blurred the line between cinema and ritual, proving that when storytelling taps into collective memory and faith, the experience can go far beyond the screen. The power of 'HanuMan' Prashanth Varma's HanuMan took this divine connection to a new level, blending superhero spectacle with spiritual symbolism. Theaters reverberated with chants of 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Jai Hanuman' as the film unfolded, with many viewers describing an 'unmatchable energy' they felt while watching. In some places, the screening turned into a collective act of worship, with audience members offering prayers and sharing prasad, just as they would in a temple. Interesting the movie shows how faith is of utmost an interview with NDTV, Ashwin Kumar clarified that Mahavatar Narsimha is not aimed solely at Hindus, but is meant for people of all faiths. 'I've had people from various communities, including many Muslim viewers, tell me that the film strengthened their own faith. I'm not asking anyone to convert their religion. What I'm saying is—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 explained. Mahavatar Narsimha tells the story of the evil king Hirankashyap, blessed with special layered immunity by Lord Brahma. When he mistreats his son Prahlada, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, the deity takes the form of Lord Narsimha to protect the child. However, Kumar insists the film is not 'religious' in the conventional sense. 'This is not a religious film—it's an interfaith film about belief. Love is a universal emotion, and so is faith. That's why the film is growing in leaps and bounds,' he said. When the divine shows up in real life In the case of Adipurush, the mythology seemed to spill into the real world when a monkey—considered sacred in Hindu tradition—unexpectedly appeared during filming. For many, it felt like a sign of divine blessing, adding to the film's spiritual aura even before its release. Shiva Rajkumar Reactions After Watching HanuMan Movie | Teja Sajja | prasanth varma When cinema becomes faith These films show that cinema has the power to be more than just entertainment. It can be a spiritual awakening, a communal act of devotion, and a reminder of the cultural and religious threads that bind people together. In such moments, the theater ceases to be just a building with a screen—it becomes a sanctum, a place where stories are not only watched but also worshipped. And perhaps that is the true magic of cinema: its ability to move people so deeply that they forget they are watching fiction and instead feel they are in the presence of the divine.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
‘Voyagers' star Colin Farrell chosen to receive the Golden Icon Award at Zurich Film Festival
Farrell has officially been chosen as the next recipient of the Golden Icon Award at the upcoming edition of the Zurich Film Festival! The star will be honoured for his achievements and accolades in the entertainment industry, with putting focus on his latest work in 'Ballad of a Small Player. ' Let's take a closer look. Colin Farrell to receive Golden Icon Award The actor, known for his roles in projects such as 'After Yang', 'Artemis Fowl', 'The Gentlemen', and 'Widows', is all set to receive one of the highest honours during the Zurich Film Festival. Farrell will be in attendance at the show according to reports from The Hollywood Reporter, for the award's presentation. The festival will run from September 25 to October 2, while the actor will attend on September 27 for the award. Other people who have also been bestowed this award include names like Kate Winslet , Jessica Chastain, Hugh Jackman , Cate Blanchett, and many others. About Colin Farrell and his latest project 'Ballad of a Small Player' Colin Farrell is one of the most prolific actors in the industry and has worked on quite a lot of films and other projects. Some of his most famous works include 'Saving Mr Banks', 'Dead Man Down', 'Total Recall', 'New World', 'Minority Report', and 'Phone Booth'. His latest endeavour, 'Ballad of a Small Player', follows the story of Lawrence Osborne's 2014 novel. It focuses on the character of Macau, a gambler, who has been dealt all the wrong cards in his life and even now has to be on the move as his past comes one step closer to him every day. The show will officially be directed by Edward Berger . Other co-stars include, but are not limited to, Tilda Swinton , Fala Chen, Alex Chennings, and Jacob Tobin. The film will have its theatrical as well as OTT release sometime in October this year.
Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Indian Express
John Abraham reveals secret of ‘scandal-free' marriage with Priya Runchal, says they won't attend Bollywood parties: ‘I get up at 4 am, read world news'
John Abraham and his wife, investment banker Priya Runchal, rarely make public appearances and are known for keeping their private lives away from the spotlight. In a recent interaction, John admitted that their decision to maintain this privacy is a 'conscious' one that both he and Priya have agreed upon. He also shared why his marriage stays out of the news and how he has managed to remain free of scandals throughout his career. During an interview with India Today, John revealed that he has never had an agent or publicist to push stories about him into the media. He spoke about his marriage, 'That is a very conscious decision, because my films have nothing to do with my personal life. In all these years, I have never had a publicist or an agent. I don't have someone who is manufacturing stuff for me out there. So the minute my films are over, I become not newsworthy and I go into my shell and I come out to speak only when I have something relevant to say.' John added that when he is not working on films, his focus shifts to other passions — particularly his football academy in Shillong. He also spends his time writing scripts. The actor also spoke about how he and his wife's low-profile lifestyle aligns with his disciplined routine, which includes avoiding Bollywood parties. He explained, 'I never went to parties even before I got married. I have always chosen to stay out because the music is too loud and I don't drink alcohol. I have a problem with alcohol because my father loves his single malt. Also, I sleep very early and I wake up at 4-4:30 am. I read as much as I can after waking up and I devour world news.' In an earlier interaction with The Hollywood Reporter, John revealed that he has not missed a gym session in the last 35 years. He said, 'I don't do it for narcissistic reasons as if I need to have a six-pack for a particular film. I have it, great! I'm fit, great! I have got a migraine issue. So, on those days, I'll do lighter weights. But I won't not go to the gym. There's a special ecosystem of people that really get what I'm doing and that's who I cater to.' On the work front, John will next be seen in Tehran, directed by Arun Gopalan. The film, based on the 2012 attacks on Israeli diplomats, will premiere on ZEE5 on August 14, 2025.
