Ayan Mukherjee explains the vision behind Brahmastra

Director Ayan Mukerji posted a brand new video on June 13, 2022 in honour of Guru Purnima introducing viewers to the mythology of his upcoming and one of the most anticipated movies of recent times 'Brahmastra'. The fantasy epic introduces viewers to a brand-new universe of superheroes and draws inspiration from Indian mythology.

"We have been building the foundations of a universe over the past few years based on the concept of astras called the Astraverse," says Ayan Mukherjee, the director of Brahmastra. He presents audiences with a more in-depth explanation of the lore of his forthcoming fantasy epic, Brahmastra, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Amitabh Bachchan, Nagarjuna among others.

While sharing the vision behind this multi-starer movie, he wrote on Instagram, "While Brahmāstra is a work of fiction, my attempt has been to celebrate Indian spirituality, in my own way, through this movie," Ayan wrote in an Instagram post. He added, "On this very auspicious day of Guru Purnima, I wanted to share a little more in-depth about the concept of Brahmāstra – a movie through which I personally found myself transforming into a forever-student of the infinite wisdom that exists in our ancient Indian roots… Hope you guys enjoy our imagination!"

In the video, Ayan explains how the movie's plot is based on the concept of astras and is the first installment in a shared cinematic universe. These 'astras' or weapons are based on natural elements such as earth, wind, fire, and water. They also can tap into the might of various animals, including bulls and monkeys. However, one 'astra'—the 'brahmastra'—is more potent than them all.

The video begins with a visual of a group of sages using the 'Brahm shakti' while meditating in the mountains. As a 'secret society', these sages—who go by the name Brahmansh—have been hidden throughout history, assisting humanity as it advances and develops. From this Brahm Shakti, astras are born, astras that have within them all the different energies found in nature. Astras such as Jalastra, Pawanastra, Agnyastra, Vanarstra, Nandi Astra and the Brahmastra which is the lord of all the other astras.

Later, the video introduces Shiva (Ranbir Kapoor), a simple man unaware of his superpowers of being the Agni astras (fire weapon). On this, Ayaan says "India, as it is today, is where the story of Brahmastra is set. I believe this puts us in a very unique position because no one has done what we are doing with ancient Indian inspiration in the modern world ever. And now on to the hero of Brahmastra, our protagonist, a young man who is yet to discover that in this world of Astras, he is a miracle because he is an Astra himself - Agni astra. In keeping with our spirit of tribute to our roots, he is named after the God who is the dearest to me personally, the most mystical, the all-powerful and my greatest inspiration, Shiva."

At the end of the video, Ayan describes why the hero is called Shiva because he is himself a devotee of lord shiva, which makes him one of the most potent astras. Ayan characterises as 'the God who is most dear to him personally, the most mystical, the all-powerful, and his greatest inspiration Lord Shiva.

Ayan who has been planning Brahmastra for the past many years has high hopes for this project. It has been in the headlines for its promising VFX and Ranbir Alia's wedding amidst its production. After being delayed by two years because of the pandemic, Brahmastra Part 1 is set to release on September 9, 2022.