Animation Film Roars Back as Mahavatar Narsimha Strikes Gold at the Box Office
With animation powered by AI tools, Mahavatar Narsimha stands out for its epic scale and meticulous design.
Kannada production house Hombale Films, known for blockbusters like KGF, Salaar, and the semi-devotional hit Kantara, has now joined forces with Kleem Productions to deliver another surprise winner — Mahavatar Narsimha. This animated devotional film is roaring at the box office and has reignited interest in the animation genre across India.
“An animation film doing wonders at the box office after a long gap — with its emotional and devotional quotient —making it a sleeper hit,” says National Award-winning producer Raj Kandukuri. “It marks a strong comeback for animated films in India. The film blends divine storytelling with jaw-dropping visuals and soul-stirring music, and children and families are turning up in big numbers to witness the spectacle.”
With animation powered by AI tools, Mahavatar Narsimha stands out for its epic scale and meticulous design. “AI-supported animation is going to be a game changer, and this film is just the beginning,” adds Kandukuri. Made on a modest budget of Rs 6 crore, the film has already grossed over Rs 23 crore, including more than Rs 6 crore from the two Telugu-speaking states alone.
Kandukuri believes animated films could soon replace costly VFX-heavy socio-fantasies. “VFX is being trolled these days for its subpar quality and unrealistic effects, whereas animation offers consistently stunning visuals and well-crafted characters,” he explains.
The film’s story centers on Lord Vishnu, who incarnates as Varaha and Narasimha to vanquish evil forces and restore dharma. A highlight is the iconic scene where Lord Narasimha bursts forth from a pillar — a cinematic moment that has left audiences awe-struck. “His roar shakes the very earth — it’s one of the most spine-tingling entries in movies,” says Kandukuri.
Looking ahead, Kandukuri suggests that animation could be used to create fictional superheroes capable of performing superhuman feats — all without spending Rs 300–400 crore on live-action films starring real-life actors. “Superstars will always have their loyal following and can still deliver larger-than-life performances, but animated characters are now finding their own space in Indian cinema,” he says. “Spending just Rs 10 crore on a powerful animated film that delivers similar impact is a far safer and smarter bet going forward.”
