*Warning: The content below contains spoilers, summarized plots, and additional features that may allude to specialized occurrences within this film. *

Ayan Mukerji’s Bollywood blockbuster Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva, an epic historical saga with a modern twist featuring Indian actors and actresses Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan, and Shah Rukh Khan, came to theaters on September 9th.

“I watched Brahmāstra and thought the story was just incredible. It is a new era for Bollywood and paves the way for the future industry,” said Former Darji Mandal Secretary Kirtida Nannoo. 

Being the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2022, Brahmāstra has estimated over ₹425 crore (US$53 million) worldwide, making it the 20th highest-grossing Indian film of all time. This box-office blockbuster comes as the Indian film industry continues to reach new heights on a global level. New films such as Ponniyin Selvan: I, Shershaah, RRR, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, and more are working to change the Indian entertainment industry and reach millions worldwide. 

“The songs in the film really stood out to me. I love Kesariya, Rasiya, Deva Deva, and the others as well. I find them so peaceful and soothing. The theme songs are also really powerful. I love how they incorporate traditional Hindu mantras,” said Agash Morekonda (‘24). 

Brahmāstra revolves around the multi-faceted parallel that exists between love, faith, and the power of the universe. Based on ancient Hindu mythology, director Ayan Mukerji contrasts the modern love story of main characters Shiva and Isha, the journey they take in the Astraverse, and the sacrifices they make to save the world from the forces of darkness and despair. 

“The Astraverse is basically like Marvel’s Cinematic Universe. I think it is nice to see a film with such amazing visual effects in the Indian industry,” said Morekonda. 

Shiva,the protagonist, is an integral part of the Brahma-Shakti (energy) which produces many celestial weapons of an large magnitude (astras). The most powerful among them, being the Brahmāstra, is defined by its capacity to destroy the world. Shiva, later in the film, came to the realization that he is the mortal element that boasts this universal power. 

“The components in the movie were really creative. I loved how different and unique this movie was, especially compared to the standard Bollywood love story,” said Ativ Asarawala (‘24). 

The film, receiving immense critical acclaim, ended in utter suspense. Shiva’s father, Dev (otherwise known as Brahma-Dev) was reborn from the ashes of Shiva’s triumph against the forces of evil. The conclusion of the film paves the way for the Brahmāstra trilogy, with the next film being dubbed Brahmāstra: Part Two – Dev.

“I am really excited for part two of this trilogy. It’s going to be so amazing and I just hope that Ranveer Singh will play the part of Dev,” said Nannoo. 

Ultimately, Brahmāstra, with its epic appeal and modernized plot, took Bollywood by storm. It has been acclaimed to be a symbol of the Indian spirit, heart, and soul. Many film commentators have detailed that it is a paradigm of Indian cinema that will leave its mark on what we know as the idealized love story.

“Fire, intensity, spirituality, power, blessings, and light – this is Brahmāstra,” said international viewer of the film Reva Manilal Rama.