Aamir’s Mahabharata Plans To Challenge Hollywood Epics
Aamir Khan’s Mahabharat is happening. It’s official. Aamir Khan has long harbored an ambition to bring the Indian epic Mahabharata to the big screen. His vision for a multi-film franchise, inspired by the scale of Hollywood’s Lord of the Rings, has sparked widespread excitement.
Aamir Khan’s Vision for Mahabharata
Aamir Khan has described adapting the Mahabharata as his “biggest ambition,” a project he views as more than just a film but a “yagya” (sacred ritual). First discussed publicly in 2018, Aamir Khan recently confirmed that he is making Mahabharata and working on it’s multi-part Mahabharata franchise will begin in 2025, with a writing process expected to take years due to the epic’s complexity. He envisions a grand production, potentially involving multiple directors to manage its vast narrative, which spans the rivalry between the Pandavas and Kauravas, intricate moral dilemmas, and the epic battle of Kurukshetra.
Mahabharat is staring this year
— ɓαтмαɴ (@CapedCru5ader) April 21, 2025
It will have multiple directors and all parts will be shot simultaneously
- Aamir khan pic.twitter.com/obJO9Ulh3y
He has also raised concerts and is also fearing to take this project
Aamir Khan’s focus is primarily on producing, though he has not ruled out acting, with casting decisions to prioritize suitability over star power. This meticulous approach reflects Khan’s reputation as “Mr. Perfectionist,” known for films like Lagaan and Dangal that blend storytelling with cultural resonance. The project’s announcement has reignited interest in a story deeply embedded in Indian culture, promising a cinematic experience that could redefine Bollywood’s global presence.
Why the Amir Khan’s Mahabharata Project Is Creating Buzz
Aamir Khan’s upcoming Mahabharata project has sparked excitement and controversy, positioning it as one of Indian cinema’s most anticipated ventures. His past controversies and the cultural sensitivity of the Mahabharata pose challenges. Aamir Khan’s Mahabharata project faces scrutiny due to his past controversies. His 2015 “intolerance” remarks and PK’s profane commentary of Hindu religious dogmatism triggered backlash, including boycott calls during Laal Singh Chaddha’s 2022 flop (₹180 crore budget). Post-failure, Aamir Khan focused on producing (Laapataa Ladies) and his next film, Sitaare Zameen Par (2025). Adapting the culturally sensitive Mahabharata risks renewed criticism from fringe groups, as seen with Padmaavat (2018), requiring careful navigation to avoid backlash.
Now regardless of the Controversy, Aamir Khan’s Mahabharata has been positioned as one of Indian cinema’s most anticipated ventures. With a reported ₹1,000 crore budget, cutting-edge VFX, and a global outreach strategy where Aamir Khan aims to redefine epic storytelling.
Similarities with Hollywood’s Treatment
Khan’s Mahabharata shares similarities with Hollywood’s treatment of ancient myths in films like Troy and Lord of the Rings. Like Troy, which adapted the Iliad with a focus on human drama and spectacle, Khan’s project may emphasize the Mahabharata’s emotional and moral conflicts, using star-driven performances to draw audiences. Similarly, the multi-film, VFX-heavy approach mirrors Lord of the Rings, which brought Tolkien’s mythology to life with epic battles and intricate world-building.
SS Rajamouli’s Competing Vision
Adding intrigue to Aamir Khan’s project is SS Rajamouli’s own ambition to adapt the Mahabharata. Known for Baahubali and RRR, Rajamouli has expressed his desire to create a 10-part Mahabharata franchise, envisioning it as his career’s crowning achievement. His proven expertise in crafting visually stunning epics with global appeal makes him a formidable contender.
Fans on X have debated whether Rajamouli, with his track record of cultural sensitivity and technical prowess, is better suited for the task, with some expressing disappointment that Khan’s project might overshadow Rajamouli’s dream.
Why does not he make a film on Quaran or Mohammad ?? pic.twitter.com/fKKR6lseMT
— Oxomiya Jiyori 🇮🇳 (@SouleFacts) April 23, 2025
While Rajamouli is currently occupied with SSMB29, his vision for a Mahabharata on an equally ambitious scale suggests a potential clash of titans. Both projects, if realized, could elevate Indian cinema, but their simultaneous development raises questions about market saturation and audience reception.
Aamir Khan’s Mahabharata adaptation represents a bold step to bring India’s greatest epic to the global stage, driven by a massive budget, advanced VFX, and a Lord of the Rings-inspired approach. Its cultural significance, coupled with Khan’s star power, has created significant buzz, though challenges from past controversies and the post-Laal Singh Chaddha phase loom large. With similarities to Hollywood’s epic adaptations, Khan’s project aims to transcend Bollywood’s boundaries. Meanwhile, SS Rajamouli’s competing vision adds complexity, promising a potential renaissance for Indian mythological cinema. As both filmmakers strive to honor this timeless saga, the world awaits a cinematic spectacle that could redefine storytelling for a new generation.
