At a time when many star-led films have underperformed in theatres, July saw an unusual box-office winner — Mahavatar Narsimha. Director Ashwin Kumar’s mythological animation drama crossed the Rs 100 crore mark, a first for an Indian animation film, within 12 days of its July 25 release. So, what about the movie — which tells the story of how Lord Vishnu takes the form of Narsimha to kill the demon king Hiranyakashipu — attracted the audience? Producer Chaluve Gowda points to its timeless narrative and visual scale. “Ashwin Kumar has brought a rare blend of scale, emotional depth, and technical brilliance to the film,” he says.

The mythological drama was made over four years. Gowda shares, “Ashwin of Kleem Productions led a team of artistes, animators, and technicians. From character design to action choreography, every detail was approached with the same seriousness as a live-action spectacle.”

Be it Hombale Films’ big-budget actioners like the KGF franchise and Kantara (2022), or an animation film, Gowda says the guiding principle remains the same. “Our philosophy is to tell Indian stories with a global appeal. We look for stories that are rooted in our culture, but can engage audiences anywhere in the world.”