Graphic India, the studio behind the popular animated series The Legend of Hanuman, has teamed up with spiritual leader Sadhguru for an animated feature film titled Shiva: The Adiyogi. The project aims to bring one of the most profound stories from Indian mythology to audiences around the world.
The film is based on a story created by Sadhguru and Sharad Devarajan, the award-winning creator and co-founder of Graphic India. Devarajan is also serving as the film’s producer, co-creator, and writer. Production is being led by Graphic India’s animation studio.
A Different View of Shiva
The film presents Shiva not as a divine figure in the traditional sense, but as the Adiyogi, which means the first Yogi, and the Adiguru, the first Guru. This perspective is central to the project’s vision.
“In the Yogic culture, Shiva is not seen as a god. For us, Shiva is the Adiyogi – the first Yogi, and the Adiguru – the first Guru. For the first time in the history of humanity, Shiva the Adiyogi introduced the idea that the simple laws of nature are not permanent restrictions.”
Sadhguru further explained the deeper meaning behind this interpretation.
“If one is willing to strive, one can go beyond all limitations and attain to liberation. Breaking the laws of physical nature is spiritual process. In this sense, we are outlaws, and Shiva is the ultimate outlaw.”
The Story Behind the Film
The film’s narrative spans a vast timeline, beginning in the darkness before creation and moving to the golden peaks of Kailash. The story includes several key elements from the Adiyogi tradition.
The plot features the rampage of Veerabhadra, described as a being born from grief. It also follows the devotion of two women who try to prevent Shiva from withdrawing from existence. The story builds toward a climactic moment at the banks of Kanti Sarovar, where Shiva imparts knowledge to seven seekers. This includes the 112 ways for a human being to transcend the limitations of physical existence.
Sharad Devarajan spoke about the scale and ambition of the project.
“This is the story of how wisdom itself was born, and why it was shared with humanity. As a storyteller, there is no greater canvas, a cosmic love story, a tale of devastating loss, and action on a scale no epic has ever attempted.”
He also described some of the film’s dramatic moments.
“Armies of gods fall before a warrior born of pure grief. A blind conqueror storms the gates of heaven. A third eye opens and burns desire itself out of existence.”
The Creative Team
Sharad Devarajan has an extensive background in Indian animation. He co-created The Legend of Hanuman and has worked on animated projects connected to the Baahubali franchise. He is also known globally as the co-creator of Pavitr Prabhakar, the Indian Spider-Man character for Marvel, who appeared in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
Jeevan J. Kang and Subrah S. Iyar are serving as executive producers on the film. Navin Miranda and Nayana Bijli are co-producers.
A Global Release
The makers are positioning Shiva: The Adiyogi as a global animated feature that combines Indian mythology with large-scale visual storytelling. The film is expected to have a worldwide theatrical release.
No release date or distribution partner has been announced yet. The project was announced on August 10, 2026, and production is currently underway.
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What This Means for Animation
This project marks a major step for Indian animation. Graphic India has built a reputation with The Legend of Hanuman, which has become a prominent animated mythology franchise. The studio is now taking on an even larger project with Shiva: The Adiyogi.
The film aims to reach audiences across cultures and generations. By blending large-scale action with emotional storytelling, the creators hope to connect with viewers worldwide.
For Sadhguru, this is an opportunity to share the Adiyogi tradition with a global audience through the medium of animation. For Devarajan and Graphic India, it represents the chance to explore the origins of wisdom through a cinematic canvas that combines mythology, romance, and large-scale action.
The project brings together two major forces in Indian spiritual and creative life. Sadhguru is a bestselling author whose videos stream in 35 languages on social media. He founded the Isha Foundation, a nonprofit human-service organization, more than three decades ago. Graphic India has established itself as a leading studio in animated mythology.
Shiva: The Adiyogi is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious animated projects to come out of India. With its blend of mythology, cosmic storytelling, and cutting-edge animation, the film aims to make a mark on the global stage.
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