"Mahavatar Narsimha," an animated devotional action drama directed by Ashwin Kumar, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian animated film to cross the ₹100 crore mark at the domestic box office. Released on July 25, 2025, the film has captivated audiences with its powerful mythological storytelling and devotional appeal.
The film's success is unprecedented for an animated film in India, as it has outperformed bigger star-driven films. Prior to this, animated films in India have mostly found their audience on television and digital platforms, with only a few managing moderate success in theaters. Even globally celebrated titles like "Frozen 2," "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," and "Incredibles 2" barely crossed the ₹50 crore mark in India. Among Indian productions, "Hanuman" (2005) previously held the record with just over ₹10 crore.
"Mahavatar Narsimha" tells the story of Hiranyakashipu and his son Prahlada's devotion to Lord Vishnu, which has resonated with audiences across demographics. The film cleverly blends humor, drama, romance, and a touch of horror to deliver an engaging experience. The scale and spectacle made possible through animation are remarkable, especially the awe-inspiring moments featuring Lord Vishnu and the dynamic sequences involving the Varaha and Narasimha avatars. These highlight the divine energy and are a visual treat.
The film opened with modest numbers but gained momentum through strong word-of-mouth and support from family audiences. By its second weekend, "Mahavatar Narsimha" surprisingly dominated the Hindi box office, earning ₹34.80 crore, a 219% increase from its debut. This pushed its total domestic net to ₹91.25 crore, overshadowing new releases. On its 12th day, the film crossed the ₹100 crore mark, reaching a total of ₹106.2 crore.
The success of "Mahavatar Narsimha" can be attributed to several factors, including its powerful mythological storytelling, mass connect, and devotional appeal. The film strikes a deep emotional chord with audiences through its retelling of Bhakt Prahlad's devotion and the fierce Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu. The voices are well-cast and synced with care, lending a native, organic feel. Sam C S's score enhances both the scale and the emotional beats of the story.
Despite its stunning visuals, some critics note that the film falls short on emotional engagement, lacking the depth and emotional pull needed to truly connect. There are also minor faultlines in the animation due to budget constraints. However, the film's sincerity and ambition make it a worthwhile experience, especially for the younger generation, as it offers a captivating introduction to mythology through a modern medium.
The film's success has encouraged production house Hombale Films to announce the expansion of the Mahavatar Cinematic Universe, with six more animated films planned through to 2037. This could signal a shift for Indian animation, showing there's growing audience interest in animated stories rooted in Indian themes.
"Mahavatar Narsimha" has not only become a commercial success but has also had a cultural impact. The film blends sacred beliefs and mysticism with human sensitivities and contemporary societal challenges. It touches upon the mentality of gaining power and superiority because of ego, greed, lust, and jealousy. The film reminds humanity to choose spirituality, love, compassion, and peace over hatred, greed, jealousy, and anger. The story of Narsimha offers a powerful reminder of the impact of faith and the fight against moral injustices, inspiring individuals to lead lives filled with purpose, courage, and compassion.
