Vicky Kaushal is set to step into the world of mythology with a live-action Mahavatar film, even as the blockbuster animated hit Mahavatar Narasimha expands into a full-fledged franchise. The actor will headline director Amar Kaushik’s ambitious take on Vishnu’s avatars, with the project expected to go on floors soon.
The announcement comes hot on the heels of Mahavatar Narasimha’s phenomenal run at the box office. Released quietly, the animated film went on to gross over ₹200 crore, rewriting records as India’s most successful animated feature. Directed by Ashwin Kumar and backed by Hombale Films in association with Claim Productions, it offered a powerful retelling of the Narasimha avatar and captivated audiences across the country.
Riding on this success, the makers have already green-lit the sequel Mahavatar Parashurama, which is scheduled to begin filming in November 2025. The franchise is now shaping up to be one of the most talked-about mythological sagas in Indian cinema.
Meanwhile, Vicky Kaushal-Mahavatar adds another dimension to the phenomenon. Though still in early stages, reports suggest the actor is undergoing extensive preparation and physical transformation for the role. Industry speculation points to a release window around 2027, which could see it arrive alongside Mahavatar Parashurama.
The parallel development of two Mahavatar projects, one animated, one live-action, has sparked curiosity about how audiences will respond to such contrasting approaches. While the animated film has already proved there is a strong appetite for devotional epics, Kaushal’s version promises to bring mythological grandeur to mainstream Bollywood in a new way.
For now, the legacy of Mahavatar Narasimha continues to grow, and with both a sequel and a big-budget Hindi adaptation on the way, Vishnu’s avatars are set to dominate Indian screens for years to come.
