Rishab Shetty has expressed his support and best wishes for the newly released animated film, "Mahavatar Narsimha," directed by Ashwin Kumar and presented by Hombale Films. The movie, which hit theaters on July 25, 2025, has been garnering attention for its grand visuals, compelling storytelling, and its attempt to bring Indian culture and heritage to life for modern audiences.
Shetty shared a glimpse of the film on his social media, conveying his heartfelt wishes to the team. His message read, "My heartfelt wishes to the team of Mahavatar Narasimha… May the film achieve great success… Wishing Team #MahavatarNarsimha All the Best".
"Mahavatar Narsimha" is an animated retelling of the story of Lord Vishnu's Narsimha avatar, blending mythology with moral lessons. The narrative revolves around Hiranyakashipu, a demon king who, proud of his penance, demands to be worshipped as God. However, his own son, Prahlad, is a devotee of Lord Vishnu, leading to a conflict of faith. When Hiranyakashipu fails to sway his son's devotion, Lord Vishnu incarnates as Narsimha, a divine form neither man nor animal, to deliver justice.
The film is produced by Shilpaa Dhawan, Kushal Desai, and Chaitanya Desai under Kleem Productions, with Hombale Films presenting it. It has been released in 3D and in five Indian languages.
According to initial reviews, "Mahavatar Narsimha" showcases impressive animation, though some critics note that it may not yet be on par with Hollywood standards. The depiction of Vishnu's avatars, particularly Narsimha, has been lauded for its impactful design. While the first half of the film is considered somewhat slow, the second half, especially the climax featuring Narsimha's battle, is said to be gripping.
The film aims to inspire spirituality and emphasizes the power of devotion. One of the film's core messages is that "nothing is achieved with arrogance, but everything is possible with true faith and good intentions". Some viewers have noted that the film provides a refreshing take in an era dominated by stories revolving around love, drama, and thrill.
"Mahavatar Narsimha" is the first installment in the "Mahavatar" series, with Hombale Films and Kleem Productions planning to release several more animated films based on the avatars of Lord Vishnu over the next decade. The planned lineup includes "Mahavatar Parshuram" (2027), "Mahavatar Raghunandan" (2029), "Mahavatar Dhawkadhesh" (2031), "Mahavatar Gokulananda" (2033), and "Mahavatar Kalki" Parts 1 and 2 (2035 and 2037).
The film has opened to full houses in many locations, with moviegoers praising the animation, music, and overall impact. Some viewers have reported experiencing goosebumps and even chanting mantras during the film's climactic scenes. YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani noted the film's strong opening and suggested that cinemas should increase the number of shows.
"Mahavatar Narsimha" has reportedly collected ₹2.45 Cr net in Hindi on its opening day, making it the first ever animation blockbuster. The film has also achieved high ratings on platforms like IMDb and BookMyShow.