How do you feel about the failure of Adipurush?
Ashwin Kumar: Adipurush was an attempt that went wrong, and that’s all I’ll say. There’s a lot of science and math involved that’s already out there, but I understand what they were trying to do. Still, it was a learning experience for the industry, the people, and the makers.
What can the film industry learn from Adipurush?
Ashwin Kumar: It’s a good learning experience. The people of this land keep giving us chances to tell these timeless stories again and again. If done right, these stories can still have a huge impact. So, yes, while Adipurush didn’t work, I think the Ramayana is where all hopes lie now.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming Ramayana duology with a massive budget of Rs. 4,000 crore?
Ashwin Kumar: It’s fantastic! I liked the teaser. I really pray and hope they do a brilliant job with such a huge budget. But remember, while the budget plays a huge role, what matters more is the feeling the film carries. It's a piece of art, and the impact of that art comes from how it's depicted.
How does the Ramayana duology align with your vision for the Mahavatar Cinematic Universe?
Ashwin Kumar: The Mahavatar Cinematic Universe aims to provide a spiritual, cinematic experience that transcends boundaries. This is the kind of experience I want to bring to the world, much like what I hope the Ramayana duology will do.
What is your take on the growing demand for culturally rooted Indian cinema?
Ashwin Kumar: Films like Baahubali, RRR, and Kantara prove that there’s a massive hunger for culturally rooted narratives. Bharat has its own ancient tales, embedded in our DNA, and these stories haven’t been showcased on the big screen in a long time. When they do make a comeback, even in small doses, they blow up because there's a vacuum waiting to be filled. This is an attempt to fulfill that demand.
How do you envision the future of Indian cinema?
Ashwin Kumar: Indian cinema, especially mythological and culturally rooted stories, has a lot of potential. It’s about reclaiming these stories with a new cinematic lens. This new-age cinema, created by Bharatiyas, for the people of Bharat, has global resonance. I believe the time is now to bring these stories to the world and show their true impact.
What do you think is the key to making mythological cinema resonate with global audiences?
Ashwin Kumar: The key is staying true to the core of Bharat’s stories while presenting them in a modern cinematic style. We have open-source cultural wealth in our DNA, and we need to imbibe that into our industries. That’s what I aim to do with the Mahavatar Cinematic Universe – make Indian stories resonate not just in India but globally.
