Maddock’s Dinesh Vijan promises Vicky Kaushal’s Mahavatar will be World-class:largest film we’ve ever made WAVES 2025!
Producer Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films has unveiled his most ambitious cinematic venture to date: Mahavatar, a grand mythological epic starring acclaimed actor Vicky Kaushal in the role of Lord Parashurama. Positioned as the largest film Maddock has ever made, Mahavatar promises to deliver a world-class cinematic experience that will redefine Indian mythological storytelling. The project was announced with great fanfare at WAVES 2025, an industry showcase that celebrates innovation and scale in Indian cinema.
Mahavatar is being helmed by Amar Kaushik, best known for directing successful genre films like Stree and Bhediya. His partnership with Dinesh Vijan has already delivered several hits, but this new mythological endeavor marks a significant departure from their earlier work. According to Vijan, this film is a passion project years in the making, rooted in both a desire to explore rich Indian mythology and a vision to elevate it through cutting-edge filmmaking techniques.
Vicky Kaushal, riding high on the blockbuster success of Chhaava, has been cast as Lord Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu. In Hindu mythology, Parashurama is one of the seven Chiranjeevis or immortals, known for his fierce warrior persona, deep asceticism, and role as a mentor to great heroes like Karna and Bhishma. With Mahavatar, Kaushal will bring to life a character that is both divine and deeply human—an eternal warrior caught between righteousness and wrath.
The first-look poster for Mahavatar was unveiled on November 13, 2024, and featured Kaushal in a powerful and dramatic depiction of Lord Parashurama, wielding his iconic axe and exuding an aura of stoic strength. The poster was met with tremendous enthusiasm across social media, with fans and critics praising the bold visual design and the actor’s intense transformation.
Dinesh Vijan described Mahavatar as a visual spectacle that draws inspiration from ancient scriptures, especially the Ramayana, while weaving in universal themes of duty, vengeance, and redemption. “This is not just a film; it is a retelling of a timeless legend for a new generation,” Vijan stated. “We are going all in—with production design, VFX, costumes, and action choreography that can stand alongside the best films globally.”
The film is currently in pre-production, with a significant portion of 2025 dedicated to building sets, developing concept art, and conducting VFX trials. Principal photography is slated to begin in November 2025, following Vicky Kaushal’s completion of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War. Kaushik and Vijan have reportedly assembled an international team of technicians, including renowned action choreographers and visual effects experts, to ensure that Mahavatar meets global standards.
The timing of Mahavatar couldn’t be more fortuitous. Vicky Kaushal’s recent release Chhaava, a historical epic about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, shattered box office records earlier this year, grossing over ₹800 crore worldwide. The film solidified Kaushal’s position as a bankable leading man capable of handling both mass appeal and nuanced roles. His casting as Parashurama is seen as a strategic move, blending his newfound superstar status with a role that demands gravitas and action prowess.
Industry analysts believe that Mahavatar could set a new benchmark for Indian mythological cinema, a genre that has seen sporadic success but has yet to fully capture the scale and sophistication seen in Western epic sagas. With the combined creative vision of Vijan, Kaushik, and Kaushal, and a budget reportedly among the highest in Indian film history, expectations are sky-high.
What sets Mahavatar apart is its commitment to authenticity while embracing modern storytelling. According to sources close to the production, the script has been through multiple drafts, with input from scholars, historians, and script consultants to ensure a faithful yet engaging narrative. Dialogues will blend Sanskritized Hindi with accessible modern language, striking a balance between reverence and relatability.
Moreover, the film’s music will play a crucial role in immersing audiences in the world of Parashurama. The score is being composed by a team of Indian and international artists, blending classical Indian instruments with orchestral arrangements to create a unique sonic identity for the film.
Vijan has also hinted at the possibility of Mahavatar being the first installment in a larger cinematic universe based on Indian mythology. “There are so many stories to tell—Mahavatar is just the beginning. If audiences embrace this film, we’re ready to explore other avatars and epics,” he said. This vision aligns with a broader trend in Indian cinema, where studios are increasingly looking to build long-term franchises with enduring characters and narratives.
With a Christmas 2026 release date, Mahavatar is being positioned as a landmark moment in Indian film history. Marketing for the film will reportedly include immersive digital experiences, AR filters, and behind-the-scenes content to build anticipation in the months leading up to its release. A teaser trailer is expected by mid-2026, followed by a multi-platform promotional blitz.
In a landscape where mythology often takes a back seat to modern or historical dramas, Mahavatar represents a bold gamble. But with the right mix of star power, directorial vision, and technical brilliance, it could redefine what’s possible in Indian cinema. As Dinesh Vijan aptly put it, “We’re not just making a film; we’re creating a legacy.”
