What are we talking about?
Let’s rewind the clock – 30 years back.
The Year Was 1995..
A little-known animation studio named Pixar released a groundbreaking film: Toy Story, directed by John Lasseter. This wasn’t just another animated movie. It was the world’s first full-length feature film created entirely using computer-generated imagery (CGI).
Toy Story (1995) – Image source – Wikipedia
Featuring the iconic voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Annie Potts, Toy Story quickly became a cultural milestone. In 1996, John Lasseter received a Special Achievement Academy Award for pioneering the techniques that made this landmark film possible. The movie also earned numerous nominations and awards, including the Kids’ Choice Award, MTV Movie Award, and a British Academy Film Award.
Why Was Toy Story So Important?
Before 1995, CGI was largely confined to short films, commercials, or visual effects sequences. But Toy Story changed the game – it demonstrated that 3D animation could tell emotionally rich stories, attract major talent, appeal to audiences of all ages, and establish itself as a commercially viable medium for full-length cinema.
It wasn’t just a movie – it marked the beginning of a new era in global animation.
Now, Let’s Fast Forward to 2025..
On 25 July 2025, Mahavatar Narsimha was released in Indian theaters.
Mahavatar Narsimha (2025) – Image source – Wikipedia
With its breathtaking animation, powerful action choreography, and profound cultural and spiritual grounding, this film delivers a cinematic experience unlike anything previously attempted in Indian CG animation. It has managed to hold the audience’s attention for over two hours, a feat few animated films in India have achieved before. The use of CG is not just technical – it’s purposeful, evocative, and deeply immersive.
This is a turning point. Mahavatar Narsimha is to the Indian animation industry what Toy Story was to the American animation industry back in 1995.
A Game Changer for Indian Animation
Just days after release, social media and online platforms are flooded with praise, clips, and conversations around the film. It’s clear that Mahavatar Narsimha has struck a chord – and this is only the beginning. Awards and accolades will surely follow.
Personally, I don’t know how many times I’ll end up watching it. But I do know this – I’ll seize every opportunity to return to the theater and relive this landmark cinematic moment.
India has spoken. The future of animation is here – and it’s proudly homegrown.