Bollywood's EPIC Comeback: Mythology & History Films Explode! Are Investors Missing Out?

Media and Entertainment

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Updated on 12 Nov 2025, 07:37 pm

Bollywood is experiencing a significant surge in films focused on Indian mythology and history, a trend being termed 'civilisational cinema.' Over the next year, audiences can anticipate a slate of epic and historical movies, including two parts of the Ramayana, three films centered on Hanuman (Chiranjeevi Hanuman, Vayuputra, Jai Hanuman), animated films on Vishnu's ten avatars by Hombale Films, and a movie on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Several factors are driving this wave. Producers observe a growing acceptance among audiences for stories that echo contemporary realities while reimagining ancient epics for a new generation. Suniel Wadhwa, distributor-producer at Karmic Films, states that Indian cinema is reflecting a 'new civilisational mood,' blending mythology and modernity to meet the audience's craving for authenticity and emotion. Ram Mirchandani, CEO of Motion Pictures, Panorama Studios, highlights that successful films like 'Chhaava' (over ₹600 crore) and 'Mahavatar Narsimha' (₹250 crore) confirm viewers' desire to reconnect with their roots.

Market data supports this engagement; an 82% of Indian travelers plan trips based on cultural aspects, according to Skyscanner. Furthermore, India's spiritual market is projected to more than double to $135 billion by 2033, per IMARC Group. Technology, including AI, is also making it more feasible and cost-effective to produce these grand narratives, as noted by Naveen Chandra of 91 Film Studios.

Impact: This trend is highly beneficial for the Indian stock market, particularly for companies in the Media and Entertainment sector. Increased box office revenues from these popular, culturally resonant films can lead to significant profit growth for production houses and distributors, potentially driving up their stock valuations and attracting investor interest. The broad appeal of these stories also translates to higher engagement and potential for long-term success. Impact Rating: 7/10

Difficult Terms: * **Civilisational cinema**: Films that draw inspiration from a nation's history, mythology, and cultural heritage, aiming to reflect its unique identity and narratives. * **Cultural storytelling**: Narratives that focus on a society's traditions, values, beliefs, and historical events, often aiming to connect audiences with their heritage. * **Indian epics**: Ancient Indian literature, notably the Ramayana and Mahabharata, which are narrative poems recounting tales of gods, heroes, moral dilemmas, and significant historical or mythical events. * **Pilgrim tourism**: Travel undertaken to religious sites for spiritual or devotional purposes, often involving visiting temples, shrines, or places of religious significance.