Sagar Pictures Entertainment (SPE) has announced Shrimad Bhagavatam, an ambitious seven-part cinematic saga inspired by the Bhagavata Mahapurana. Unveiled on the occasion of Guru Purnima, also known as Vyasa Purnima, the project marks the studio’s first large-scale theatrical franchise and aims to bring one of India’s most revered spiritual texts to the big screen through contemporary filmmaking and immersive storytelling.
The upcoming franchise is based on the Bhagavata Mahapurana, one of the most significant works of ancient Indian literature, traditionally attributed to Maharishi Ved Vyasa. The sacred text explores the life and teachings of Lord Krishna while narrating the stories of several avatars of Lord Mahavishnu. Through its interconnected narratives, the scripture focuses on 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. Planned as seven interconnected feature films along with spin-offs and series, the franchise has been envisioned as a Saptaha, drawing inspiration from the traditional seven-day Bhagavata recitations observed by devotees across India and around the world.
The adaptation will cover the text’s vast narrative, including Lord Krishna’s childhood and youth in Braja, realistic depictions of the Rasa Leela and Gopi Gita, as well as the stories of Lord Mahavishnu’s avatars such as Matsya, Varaha and Narasimha. The films will also portray events including the Samudra Manthan, the rise of the Suryavansh and Chandravansh dynasties, and the inspiring journeys of devotees like Dhruva and Bharata.
Beyond its epic scale, the makers said the films will remain rooted in authentic interpretations of the original text while exploring themes of devotion, duty, morality and the nature of existence. The adaptation will also depict lesser-known chapters of Lord Krishna’s life and events that take place after the Great War of Hastinapur, stories that have rarely been explored in mainstream cinema.
Rather than following a single visual style, each chapter of the saga will have its own cinematic identity, with its tone and storytelling shaped by the narrative it presents. The production combines extensive cultural and philosophical research with modern filmmaking techniques to create a realistic and immersive viewing experience. The films will feature an international ensemble alongside actors from across India.
The Bhagavatam saga has been created by filmmakers Amrit Sagar Chopra and Akash Sagar Chopra, who are also directing the first installment. The project is being produced by Sagar Pictures Global and guided by spiritual teacher and Padma Bhushan awardee Sri M for research. Veteran filmmaker Moti Sagar, co-director of the iconic television series Ramayan (1987), is mentoring the production.
Speaking about the project, Akash Sagar Chopra, CEO of Sagar Pictures Entertainment, said Shrimad Bhagavatam is one of India’s greatest literary and spiritual works, offering immense cinematic potential because of its layered storytelling and philosophical depth. He added that the team aims to present the narratives with authenticity, realism and world-class visual execution while ensuring that each story develops its own filmmaking style.
Production on the first film has already begun at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, where principal photography was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Telangana. Designed for premium large-format exhibition, the film is being photographed by Joel Schaefer, while acclaimed visual effects producer Clwyd Edwards serves as executive producer.
Dedicated to the memory of Dr. Ramanand Sagar and Leela Sagar, Shrimad Bhagavatam marks the beginning of a new chapter for Sagar Pictures Entertainment as it expands its focus on premium cinematic storytelling inspired by India’s ancient scriptures. The studio said further updates on the first installment will be announced in the coming months.
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