Mumbai: Sagar Pictures Entertainment (SPE) has announced Shrimad Bhagavatam, a seven-part cinematic saga inspired by the Bhagavata Mahapurana, marking the studio’s first large-scale theatrical franchise and a significant step in its long-term vision to bring India’s ancient literary and spiritual heritage to global audiences through contemporary filmmaking.
Announced on the occasion of Guru Purnima (Vyasa Purnima), the project will begin with Part I and is envisioned as a multi-film franchise comprising seven interconnected feature films, along with spin-offs and series. Collectively, the cinematic universe has been conceived as a Saptaha, inspired by the traditional seven-day Bhagavata recitations observed by devotees across the world.
Widely regarded as one of the most revered works of Sanatana literature, the Bhagavata Mahapurana, attributed to Maharishi Ved Vyasa, narrates the life and teachings of Lord Krishna through a non-linear narrative while chronicling the various avatars of Lord Mahavishnu. The text spans approximately 18,000 verses across twelve Skandas and explores themes of devotion, spirituality, morality and humanity’s pursuit of liberation.
According to the studio, the project will be the first complete cinematic adaptation of the Shrimad Bhagavatam in its authentic form. The adaptation will depict Lord Krishna’s childhood and youth in Braja, including realistic interpretations of the Rasa Leela and Gopi Gita, while also bringing to life major episodes such as Samudra Manthan, the rise of the Suryavansh and Chandravansh dynasties, and the stories of Lord Mahavishnu’s avatars including Matsya, Varaha, Narasimha, Prithu, and Kapila. It will also chronicle the lives of celebrated devotees such as Dhruva and Bharata, alongside several lesser-known chapters from Sanatan Ithihasa.
Beyond its epic scale, the adaptation aims to remain faithful to the original text through an authentic, shloka-by-shloka interpretation while exploring enduring themes of devotion, duty, morality, and the nature of existence. The films will also delve into lesser-known episodes from Lord Krishna’s later life and events following the Great War of Hastinapur.
Each chapter of the saga will adopt a distinct visual identity and filmmaking style tailored to the narrative it presents. Drawing on extensive cultural and philosophical research, the production seeks to combine historical authenticity with cinematic realism. The films will feature an international ensemble cast alongside Indian performers, with a focus on authentic characterisation and immersive storytelling.
The project has been developed by filmmakers Amrit Sagar Chopra and Akash Sagar Chopra, who are also directing the first instalment. It is being produced by Sagar Pictures Global, with research guidance from Sri M, Padma Bhushan awardee, spiritual teacher and author. Veteran filmmaker Moti Sagar, co-director of the iconic television series Ramayan (1987), is mentoring the project.
Speaking about the announcement, Akash Sagar Chopra, CEO, Sagar Pictures Entertainment, said, “The Shrimad Bhagavatam is one of India’s greatest literary and spiritual works—arguably even more expansive than the Ramayan and the Mahabharata. Its extraordinary scale, layered narratives and profound philosophical depth present an unparalleled cinematic opportunity. Our ambition is to present these stories with depth and a cinematic language unlike anything previously seen with complete accuracy, grounded in realism but driven by the mega scale of each narrative, where every story guides its own visual identity and filmmaking style.”
Production on the first film has already commenced at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, with principal photography formally inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Telangana. Designed for premium large-format exhibition, the film is being shot by cinematographer Joel Schaefer, while acclaimed visual effects producer Clwyd Edwards, known for his work on Academy Award-winning and internationally acclaimed productions, serves as Executive Producer.
Dedicated to the memory of Dr. Ramanand Sagar and Leela Sagar, Shrimad Bhagavatam marks the beginning of Sagar Pictures Entertainment’s broader strategy to build premium cinematic franchises inspired by India’s timeless literary and spiritual traditions. The studio said further updates on Part I will be announced in the coming months.
