Mumbai: The movies inspired by mythological and spiritual narratives continue to charm the audience in Indian cinema. Over the past few years, some low-budget films have achieved amazing box office success, even though they had to work hard to make it to the big screen.There are several low-budget films that have made incredible box office numbers in recent years because of their subject matter, presentation and ability to connect with the audience. The examples of this change are the previous releases like ‘Kantara’, ‘Hanu-Man’, ‘Mahavatar Narasimha’ etc. and the recent release ‘Hanuman Ansh’.
These films show that the depiction of Indian folklore, beliefs, and mythological characters in a fresh cinematic format can indeed be successful. Some films were about relationships between folk traditions and nature, while others were about religious stories through superhero-action, adventure or animation.
‘Kantara’: The Impact of Folk Faith and Culture
Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara’, released in 2022, built its narrative around the local culture of Karnataka, folk beliefs, and the bond between humans and nature. The film’s deep regional roots and compelling cinematic presentation helped it reach a vast audience. According to an Amar Ujala report, the film was made on a budget of approximately ₹16 crore, while data from Sacnilk indicates a worldwide gross of ₹407 crore.
‘Hanu-Man’: A Modern Take on Mythological Themes
Prasanth Varma’s ‘Hanu-Man’ blended Indian mythological elements with a modern superhero narrative. By presenting powers inspired by Lord Hanuman and themes of devotion in a novel way, the film generated significant interest among audiences. Reports state that the film, produced on a budget of around ₹40 crore, achieved a worldwide gross of ₹295.29 crore.
‘Mahavatar Narasimha’: A Mythological Tale Through Animation
Based on the story of Lord Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar, ‘Mahavatar Narasimha’ brought a mythological narrative to the big screen using animation. The film sought to connect with audiences by blending religious storytelling with modern visual treatment. According to Amar Ujala, the film’s budget was approximately ₹40 crore, while data from Sacnilk indicates a worldwide gross of ₹326.82 crore.
‘Hanuman Ansh’: Remarkable Performance on a Low Budget
‘Hanuman Ansh’, released in 2026, has also garnered attention among low-budget films. An Amar Ujala report dated September 11 states that the film—released on August 7—grossed ₹173.63 crore at the domestic box office within 37 days, with a nationwide gross collection reported at ₹205.15 crore. Produced on a budget of approximately ₹2 crore, the film saw a worldwide release on September 11. It presents a narrative centred on the life and miracles of Neem Karoli Baba.
Growing Opportunities for Mythological Cinema
These films demonstrate that mythological and spiritual themes need not be confined to traditional storytelling styles; they can also be presented through diverse formats such as folklore, superhero narratives, mystery-thrillers, and animation. However, a film’s box-office performance ultimately depends on various factors, including its storyline, presentation, promotion, and audience reception.
The buzz surrounding these low-budget films highlights the expanding potential within Indian cinema for stories rooted in local narratives, cultural identity, and faith
