Bollywood’s Maddock Films is stepping into the world of ancient legends with its ambitious new project—the Chiranjeevi Universe. Inspired by immortal characters from Hindu mythology, this cinematic series will explore epic tales with a modern twist.
The first film in the series is titled Mahavatar, with Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal playing the powerful sage Parashurama—one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. Directed by Amar Kaushik, the film is set to begin production by the end of this year and is scheduled for a grand release during Christmas 2026.
The Chiranjeevi Universe will bring to screen characters believed to be “amar” (immortal), such as Ashwatthama, Hanuman, and others from Indian epics. These mythological heroes will be portrayed in high-budget productions using modern VFX and filmmaking techniques, aiming to connect timeless stories with today’s audiences.
At the same time, Maddock Films is also building another major franchise—the Arabian Nights Fantasy Universe. This series, in development for over two years, will begin with Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. The idea is to reimagine classic tales like these with an Indian cultural perspective and turn them into large-scale cinematic experiences.
Following the success of hits like Stree 2 and Chhava, Maddock Films is clearly aiming to expand its footprint with both fantasy and mythological universes. If Mahavatar succeeds, the studio plans to develop more films in the Chiranjeevi Universe based on characters from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Although still in the early stages, this move highlights a growing trend in Indian cinema—blending mythology with modern storytelling. With star power and visual spectacle, Maddock Films hopes to capture audiences seeking larger-than-life stories rooted in Indian tradition.
