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Ashwin Kumar, the director behind the animated film 'Mahavatar Narishimha,' expresses immense satisfaction and a touch of disbelief at the film's resounding success at the box office. Earning over Rs 169 crore within just 16 days, the film has far surpassed initial expectations, making a significant mark in the Indian film landscape. Kumar describes the achievement as "overwhelming," emphasizing the inherent unpredictability of box office performance. He acknowledges that while he anticipated the film would resonate with audiences due to its powerful subject matter centered around faith and spirituality, the sheer scale of its success was difficult to envision. The film's narrative, deeply rooted in Indian culture and spirituality, appears to have struck a chord with viewers, suggesting a renewed interest in stories that celebrate the nation's rich heritage and spiritual beliefs. Kumar attributes the film's triumph to the audience's embrace of faith and the restoration of belief systems, highlighting India's unique position as a land of diverse faiths and profound spiritual connections. He suggests that the film's cultural resonance tapped into a deep-seated yearning for stories that reflect the country's unique identity and spiritual values, leading to an outpouring of support and positive word-of-mouth that propelled the film to unprecedented heights. It is important to note that the film industry, a volatile beast if there ever was one, is not always amenable to the successes of art-house projects, but the film seems to have touched the collective consciousness of the viewing public. This can be attributed to its unique perspective on tales which are already known to the public. While the original tales are generally known, there is nothing that states these are to be adhered to in all instances.
Beyond its spiritual underpinnings, Kumar believes that 'Mahavatar Narishimha' has also succeeded in offering audiences a unique cinematic experience unlike anything typically seen in Indian cinema. He emphasizes the film's grand and otherworldly animation, a departure from the traditional storytelling methods prevalent in the industry. Kumar observes that Indian cinema has often shied away from large-scale, sci-fi-like worlds, with animation frequently relegated to children's entertainment or cartoons. 'Mahavatar Narishimha,' however, challenges this perception by presenting animation as a mature and sophisticated medium capable of delivering compelling narratives for a wide audience. By breaking free from the conventional constraints of live-action filmmaking, the film's animation allowed Kumar to explore fantastical elements and cosmic battles on a scale that would have been impossible to achieve otherwise. He believes that this innovative approach resonated with audiences who were seeking a fresh and visually stunning cinematic experience. The director notes that his film is age-agnostic - that anyone can watch it. With violence appearing within, the film still manages to maintain a mature stance, which seems to have captured viewers who were initially skeptical. Additionally, the lack of traditional star power, often considered essential for box office success, further underscores the film's reliance on its compelling narrative and visual spectacle. Kumar asserts that the film's triumph demonstrates that content can triumph over celebrity endorsements, provided that it connects with audiences on an emotional and spiritual level. The film’s financial aspects are also notable, as the director revealed there was speculation as to the budget of the film, citing the movie as costing around Rs 40 crore, which includes P&A. The director also mentioned the importance of commitment, and creating spectacular content on a budget.
Kumar also emphasizes the broader significance of 'Mahavatar Narishimha's' success for the Indian animation industry. He expresses hope that the film will open doors for more animated productions and inspire producers and creators to recognize the medium's vast potential. Drawing parallels with Hollywood, China, Japan, and Korea, where animated films frequently outperform live-action counterparts, Kumar laments the fact that animation has not yet achieved the same level of recognition in India. He urges producers to treat animation as seriously as live-action, acknowledging its capacity to deliver powerful and engaging stories that resonate with audiences of all ages. The director reiterates that animation is the natural choice for fantastical stories, allowing filmmakers to transcend the limitations of live-action and unleash their imaginations. He asserts that the only constraint in animation is one's own creativity, highlighting the medium's boundless possibilities for visual storytelling. By showcasing the capabilities of animation, 'Mahavatar Narishimha' aims to pave the way for a new era of Indian cinema, one where animation is embraced as a powerful and versatile tool for creative expression. Moreover, the director's assertion that star power is not essential if the content resonates is a significant statement for the Indian film industry, which is often heavily reliant on celebrity endorsements. This success also seems to have sparked interest in additional tales within the same universe, as the director has confirmed that work on the upcoming film 'Mahavatar Parasuram' has begun. This is yet another potential success on the horizon, but its impact on the animation world cannot be overstated. The movie has proven that faith can be restored, as Kumar cited he had received messages from those who had lost faith in general.
Reflecting on the personal sacrifices and unwavering commitment he poured into 'Mahavatar Narishimha,' Kumar reveals that the film was a labor of love, demanding everything he had to offer – physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. Kumar emphasizes that failure was never an option, and his unwavering faith in Narasimha Bhagwan provided him with the strength and perseverance to overcome the challenges he faced. He felt protected by a divine presence, which instilled in him the confidence to push through the difficulties and bring his vision to life. The director addresses speculation about the film's budget, clarifying that it was made on a budget of Rs 40 crore, which included promotional costs. This is lower than many Bollywood productions, demonstrating that even with limited resources, it is possible to create something spectacular with dedication and commitment. This message can also serve as an inspiration for the future generation of creators, as the idea of having something of spectacular quality can be achieved even with less financial backing. While his faith in God cannot be understated, there is still a degree of creative acumen required. This film would not have been made if the director had not poured his heart, soul, and life into the project. However, the director credits the efforts of the producers as well, as he notes the courage it takes to create a project of this nature. He mentions the producers as well, including his wife Shilpa, Apar Group, and Hombale Films, and how they have done a great job carrying this film. The director's final remarks are on other films, and that it was not their intent to throw anyone off guard, and that audiences are embracing the film right now. His simple perspective is that he has a story to tell, one that resonates deeply within himself, and it will resonate with others. This is all the director is here to present.
Source: Director Ashwin Kumar on Mahavtar Narishimha success: Audiences spoke their hearts