What are your thoughts on Adipurush’s performance?
Ashwin Kumar: Adipurush was an ambitious project that didn’t quite land as expected. There were complex elements involved, but I understand the intent behind the effort. It became a valuable learning experience for everyone involved, both the creators and the audience.
What lessons can the film industry draw from Adipurush’s experience?
Ashwin Kumar: The Adipurush experience offers several lessons. The Indian audience is always ready to embrace our ancient stories, and if done thoughtfully, these stories can still make a lasting impact. While the film didn’t resonate as expected, the key takeaway is that there’s immense potential in retelling these timeless narratives, and I believe Ramayana is where the industry’s hopes now lie.
What are your views on the upcoming Ramayana duology with its massive budget?
Ashwin Kumar: The Ramayana duology is incredibly exciting, especially with such a huge budget. I’ve seen the teaser, and it’s promising. But while the scale of the budget is important, the emotional and narrative depth is what truly makes a film powerful. I sincerely hope the filmmakers bring that emotional depth, as that’s what will make this project a monumental success.
How does the Ramayana duology fit into your vision for the Mahavatar Cinematic Universe?
Ashwin Kumar: The Ramayana duology aligns perfectly with my vision for the Mahavatar Cinematic Universe. Both projects are meant to provide a deeply spiritual cinematic experience that transcends geographical boundaries. I believe both will offer audiences a unique blend of storytelling that touches on universal themes.
How do you see the growing demand for culturally rooted Indian cinema?
Ashwin Kumar: Films like Baahubali, RRR, and Kantara have proven there’s a strong demand for stories rooted in Indian culture. Bharat’s ancient tales, which are deeply embedded in our culture, have not been showcased in cinema for a long time. When these stories make a comeback, the response is overwhelming. This growing appetite for culturally rich narratives is what I hope to fulfill through my work.
Where do you see the future of Indian cinema going?
Ashwin Kumar: The future of Indian cinema is incredibly promising, especially when it comes to mythological and culturally rooted narratives. With a new cinematic approach, these stories can be presented in a way that resonates globally. Indian cinema, especially mythological stories, has a rich, untapped potential, and I believe it’s time to bring these stories to a global audience.
What’s your approach to making mythological cinema resonate globally?
Ashwin Kumar: The key to global resonance lies in staying true to the core of our stories while presenting them with modern cinematic techniques. Our cultural wealth is vast, and we need to incorporate it into contemporary filmmaking. With the Mahavatar Cinematic Universe, my goal is to ensure that these timeless Indian stories resonate not only with Indian audiences but also with viewers across the world.
