Brahmastra director Ayan Mukerji opens up about creating a new Indian fantasy universe

Ayan Mukerji’s magnum opus is certainly creating waves, and for good reason. It touted to be a film to kickstart India’s very own fantasy cinematic universe based on ancient mythology, one that even weaves in contemporary elements. The filmmaker recently opened up about the universe he planned to create and how the idea germinated in his mind.

In conversation with Deadline, Mukerji revealed his long time fascination with stories centred around Indian mythology and spirituality. He said that although his film is set in modern times, most of the fantasy elements took on ‘ancient’ hues. The universe the film is set in is called the Astraverse, inhabited by a group of people called Brahmānsh who serve as the guardians of divine weaponry known as Astras. When the most destructive among them, the titular Brahmastra, threatens to usher in the end of the world, a hero must arise to stop it.

The film is intended to be the first instalment in a planned trilogy. The movie follows the story of a man named Shiva(Ranbir Kapoor) who realises that he is the key to help thwart a deadly threat to humanity.

Mukerji also revealed how he had wanted to create a fantasy universe of his very own for over a decade, being inspired by Western cinematic universes such as Star Wars and the ones based on comic books. He also added that he believed the audience would be impressed with the VFX effects in the film, in addition to its story.

In addition to Kapoor the film also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Mouni Roy and Nagarjuna Akkineni

Brahmastra will be released in theatres on September 9, 2022.