Heads up! Bollywood is changing its format and the way it is viewed and we are all for it.
Back in 2022, one of the most expensive movies were made with CGI work, but it made a mark and raised the standards for animation in a Bollywood movie.swwww
Yes, we’re talking about Brahmastra Part One: Shiva – the one that features a stellar ensemble cast led by Ranbir Kapoor as the protagonist’s role. Brahmastra’s epic cast includes several top-notch actors, such as Alia Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan, Nagarjuna, and Mouni Roy, as well as some terrific cameos from actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and others.
Brahmastra Overview
Set in a fantasy world, Brahmastra blends fantasy adventure rooted in ancient Indian mythology and introduces the Brahmastra universe, which is centered on the powerful Astras and protected by the Brahmansh society.
| Release Date | 9th September 2022 |
| Director | Ayan Mukherji |
| Genre | Action-Fantasy; Mythological |
| Run-time | 2 hours 47 mins |
| Key themes | Astraverse mythology, good vs evil, love powering heroism |
| Starring | Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan, Mouni Roy, Nagarjuna, etc |
| Box office | INR 431 crores worldwide |
Brahmastra Plot
In ancient India, there are sages that harness the cosmic energy called ‘Brahm-shakti’ to forge powerful celestial weapons. These are called ‘Astras,’ and the most powerful one is called ‘Brahmastra,’ which has the capacity to destroy the world, as it is the most potent.
The sages tame their own ‘Astras’ for several years, while also secretly forming the ‘Brahmansh’ society to safeguard these ancient forces from being misused. They are also protecting the Brahmastra from being unleashed unto the world, to stop the world from eternal damnation.
Several centuries later, in modern day India, Shiva (played by Ranbir Kapoor) is an orphan but also a carefree DJ who has an inexplicable affinity and fear towards fire. During one of his deejaying feats, he meets Isha (played by Alia Bhatt), a college student. The duo vibe with an unexplainable spark and they meet several times during Durga Puja, in Mumbai. However, strange visions plague Shiva. This includes him witnessing Brahmansh scientist Mohan Bhargav (played by Shah Rukh Khan) defending a Brahmastra fragment with his Vanastra.
During this strange battle, Mohan is protecting the Brahmastra fragment against Junoon (played by Mouni Roy) and her henchmen, Zor and Raftaar. Mohan succumbs to his injuries and perishes, but his Agneyastra piece links to Shiva – thus revealing his latent fire powers.
After some research, Shiva and Isha meet the famous artist Anish Shetty (played by Nagarjuna), who is also the guardian of the Nandi Astra. They want to warn Shetty about the Brahmastra piece, Junoon, and Mohan’s demise. Anish confirms Shiva’s visions and escapes with them using his bull-powered Astra. However, he ends up sacrificing himself en route to the Himalayan Brahmansh Ashram while battling Junoon’s forces.
With a heavy heart, Shiva and Isha reach the Ashram, where they are welcomed by Guru Raghu (played by Amitabh Bachchan). Guru reveals that Shiva is the son of the fallen Brahmansh warriors Amrita (played by Deepika Padukone), and Dev. Interestingly, Dev is the traitor and is missing in action. He wanted the power of Brahmastra, and is unwittingly the wielder of the missing Brahmastra piece.
Shiva trains some of the newer recruits – Rani, Raveena, Sher, and Tenzing. Along with them, he ends up mastering his Agneyastra fire abilities with the guidance of Guru Raghu.
Junoon ends up hijacking and storms the Ashram with her Kavachastra, a mind-controlling astra that she specializes in. She controls the village. Shiva ends up defeating Raftaar and Zor, but loses Isha temporarily. This becomes a true battle of the epics and is rooted in mythology.
Towards the climax, Junoon assembles the Brahmastra pieces and unleashes the apocalyptic destruction upon the world.
However, Shiva draws superhuman strength from his love for Isha and channels pure Agneyastra power to seize control of Brahmastra. This causes a halt to the impending catastrophe and saves the world.
However, in the post-credits scene, it is shown that the imprisoned Dev is now free from his stone prison on a remote island, thus teasing a sequel.
Cast of Brahmastra
Main Cast
- Ranbir Kapoor as Shiva, the orphan DJ who discovers his true powers in the Brahmansh destiny.
- Alia Bhatt as Isha, Shiva’s love interest and supporter in the quest
- Amitabh Bachchan as Guru Raghu, the Brahmansh leader who wields Prabhastra. He trains Shiva.
- Mouni Roy as Junoon, the ruthless antagonist who seeks Brahmastra’s pieces. She serves Dev, the wielder of the third piece of Brahmastra.
Supporting Cast
- Nagarjuna Akkineni as Anish Shetty, a famous artist who guards Nandi Astra. He sacrifices himself for the cause
- Shah Rukh Khan as Mohan Bhargav, a scientist with the Vanastra. He has a cameo appearance.
- Deepika Padukone as Amrita, Shiva’s birth mother and Dev’s partner. She was a member of the Brahmansh.
- Dimple Kapadia as Saraswati, a senior Brahmansh member
- Saurav Gurjar as Zor, Junoon’s henchman
- Rohollah Ghazi as Raftaar, Junoon’s henchman
Brahmastra Crew
- Director: Ayan Mukerji, who wrote and directed the fantasy epic. This marks his third major directorial movie after Wake Up Sid and Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani
- Producers: Karan Johar from Dharma Productions, Apoorva Mehta, Namit Malhotra, Ranbir Kapoor
- Writers: Ayan Mukherji for the story, screenplay and dialogue.
Brahmastra budget and collection
Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva was produced with an estimated total budget that was reported to be around INR 410 crore, which is equivalent to $48 million. This easily made it one of the most expensive Indian Hindi films ever made. However, Ranbir Kapoor later clarified that this figure included the budget for the entire planned trilogy not just the first instalment.
The film’s production involved creating ‘assets’ like the VFX-heavy fire and astral powers, which were designed to be used across all three films in the franchise. This meant that the cost being attributed solely to Part One is actually not true. Estimates of the first part vary roughly between INR 350-450 crores, accounting for the actors’ fees, marketing, sets, and visual effects.
Where the box office collections are concerned, Brahmastra Part One had a very strong opening with around INR 36.70 crores on the first day. The movie went on to collect around INR 270 crores net in India alone. The worldwide gross, including overseas markets, stands at INR 430 crores.
Although the film did well commercially and achieved a semi-hit status, it is understood that the collection is an investment in the larger trilogy. This meant that the collections of the movie were not relied on solely to break even. The franchise approach aligns with global cinematic trends, where the high upfront cost is offset by building a sustained story arc.
Brahmastra Controversies
In general, the movie had to face several controversies surrounding its release. This includes:
- Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt were restricted from entering the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple in Ujjain by Bajrang Dal activists. This was due to the outrage over Kapoor’s comments on liking beef, which offended some Hindu groups.
- There was social media backlash that emerged over the film’s early working title ‘Dragon’, which reports say is linked to the Persian poet, Rumi. This led to accusations of anti-Hindu sentiments by some social media users.
- The film sparked polarized critical reactions – some praised the film for its visual effects, others criticized the dialogue, character development, and more. Some called it cringeworthy and confusing.
- Ranbir attracted media attention for controversies beyond the film, like his smoking photos, personal remarks, and more. This reflected poorly on the film’s promotion as well.
Brahmastra Sequel
The sequel to Brahmastra Part One: Shiva is the first part of the movie, whereas the second part, Brahmastra Part Two, is scheduled for release in December 2025. The film will continue the saga, which is centered on the antagonist Dev. However, this part of the movie will focus more on Dev and his relationship with Amrita, his story and more.
The sequel is also directed by Ayan Mukherji and will star Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt,and Amitabh Bachchan to reprise their roles.
Interestingly, the third and final part of the trilogy is expected to be released in 2027.
Conclusion
Bollywood has changed, and it’s quite evident. Actors and producers have changed the entire aspect and format of movies and the glamour industry and we can’t wait for what the producers have in store for us.
Brahmastra Part One was a stellar movie with an ensemble cast, and the second part – the sequel – is anticipated for its release in December 2026.
FAQs
Brahmastra Part One: Shiva was released theatrically on 9th September 2022
Yes, Deepika Padukone has been confirmed to become a cast member of the Brahmastra universe. She will appear in the role of ‘Amrita’, Shiva’s mother.
The movie is considered a semi-hit as it performed average in the box office.
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