Brahmāstra Part One: Shiva

Ayan Mukerji returns to the screen with Brahmāstra Part One: Shiva, a visually sumptuous entry that blends ancient Indian mythology with modern superhero tropes. The film follows Shiva, played by Ranbir Kapoor, a street-smart young man whose life shifts dramatically when he discovers a hidden lineage tied to the legendary Brahmāstra. This weapon of immense power awakens within him, forcing him to confront a destiny he never asked for while navigating a complicated romance with Isha Chatterjee, portrayed by Alia Bhatt. Produced by Dharma Productions and Starlight Pictures, this high-budget spectacle cost roughly $22 million to bring to life. It stands as the opening chapter in the Astraverse, a shared universe designed to expand on Hindu cosmology through a cinematic lens. The cast features heavyweights like Amitabh Bachchan as the enigmatic Guru and Shah Rukh Khan in a pivotal role as Mohan Bhargav. Despite its ambitious scope and star-studded lineup, the film received mixed reviews, holding a modest rating of 6.259 out of 10 from early audiences. Critics praised the visual effects but found the narrative pacing uneven.[edit]