The wait is finally over for fans of Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. Five years after their ambitious first film together was announced, Brahmastra: Part One — Shiva is all set for the big screen on Friday.
One of the most expensive Indian films ever made, with a reported budget of more than 4 billion rupees ($50 million), director Ayan Mukerji has big plans for the movie, which he hopes to turn into Bollywood's first superhero franchise.
“I was 29 when I started working on the film. I’ll be 39 by the time it releases. My peers have made multiple films, gotten married and had kids in the time I’ve made this one movie," Mukerji told The National last year.
Scroll through the gallery above for stills from the film
Interest has also peaked because of its leads, Kapoor and Bhatt, who met on its set, fell in love and got married in April. In June, the couple announced they were expecting their first child together.
Brahmastra: Part One — Shiva also promises visual effects, the likes of which have never been seen before in India, and an introduction to the Astraverse, a cinematic universe Mukerji hopes to jump-start.
Following a disappointing year for Bollywood at the box office so far, with many big-budget movies having failed, all eyes will be on this fantasy film to bring much-needed audiences back to the cinemas.
What is 'Brahmastra: Part One — Shiva' all about?
The film is set in present-day India and Kapoor plays a DJ who discovers he has a deep connection with fire. Through the help of a secret society, he then learns to harness his gift and also wield the Brahmastra, a weapon of immense power that is believed to be able to destroy the universe.
But a group of dark forces also want that weapon, and Kapoor's superhero and his friends go on an all-out battle to defend it and also thwart their evil plans.
The film's elements are deeply influenced by Hindu mythology, including Kapoor's character's name Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism.
In July, director Mukerji released a video explaining his inspiration from ancient Hindu texts, and the extended universe the planned trilogy will be set in.
Who is the cast of 'Brahmastra: Part One — Shiva'?
Besides Kapoor as Shiva and Bhatt as his love interest Isha, South Indian superstar Nagarjuna Akkineni makes his return to Hindi films as a gifted and powerful member of Brahmansh, a group that helps Shiva find his true calling. Amitabh Bachchan also features as Guru, the leader of the group.
Actress Mouni Roy plays the antagonist Junoon, who also wields immense power, and who sets her evil army upon Shiva and members of the Brahmansh.
Other cast members include veteran actress Dimple Kapadia, Indian WWE star Saurav Gurjar and actor Gurfateh Pirzada.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will also make a cameo in the film, playing a scientist.
When is 'Brahmastra: Part One — Shiva' being released in India and the UAE?
Brahmastra: Part One — Shiva will be released in cinemas in India and the UAE on Friday in various formats, including 3D as well as IMAX 3D.
Earlier this week, tickets to a special screening at a cinema in Mumbai, scheduled for Thursday, were sold out in four minutes, according to PVR Cinemas.
