God of War inspiration sparks controversy for Indian Netflix animated hit 'Mahavatar Narasimha'

The Ghost of Sparta in Bollywood: Indian Netflix Blockbuster Accused of Frame-by-Frame God of War Copying

Netflix's animated Indian blockbuster, "Mahavatar Narasimha," has unexpectedly found itself in the spotlight, though not for the reasons its creators might have hoped. Keen-eyed viewers have spotted a fight sequence that bears an uncanny resemblance to the iconic battles from Sony's 'God of War' franchise. The level of similarity is so striking that comparisons are being made literally frame by frame, leaving little room for doubt.

Gaming communities have descended upon the scene with a fervor, meticulously dissecting the animation to prove the alleged plagiarism. Social media platforms have been abuzz with video comparisons, though many have been swiftly removed, underscoring the sensitivity of the issue. The focus is on a particular moment where a mysterious stranger confronts Kratos in his home, igniting a brutal and visceral clash. The visual echoes are undeniable, making it difficult to dismiss as mere coincidence.

Beyond the Norse Legend: A Melange of Cinematic Influences

While the 'God of War' influence is the most glaring, a closer look at "Mahavatar Narasimha" reveals a broader palette of inspiration. The film seems to borrow equally from the high-octane action of 'Mortal Kombat,' the intricate choreography reminiscent of martial arts legends Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee, and even stylistic flourishes found in Marvel's cinematic universe. It’s as if the filmmakers cherry-picked memorable moments from various beloved action spectacles, aiming for a visually potent, if derivative, experience. This tendency to draw heavily from Western cinema, including video games, is not entirely new for Bollywood, where studios have historically adapted popular tropes and visual elements.

A Blockbuster with a Shadowy Past?

Released on July 25, 2025, "Mahavatar Narasimha" achieved immediate success, shattering records as India's highest-grossing animated film. The narrative centers on the demon Hiranyakashipu, who declares himself a god and seeks revenge against the deity Vishnu. To restore cosmic order and vanquish evil, Vishnu takes on the fearsome form of Narasimha, a half-man, half-lion avatar. Despite its mythological roots and commercial triumph, the film's artistic integrity is now under intense scrutiny.

According to reports from The Times of India, the film was produced on a modest budget of approximately $180,000, yet it has garnered around $3.77 million globally. The vast majority of this revenue, $3.45 million, comes from the domestic Indian market, with only $320,000 earned from international screenings. This significant financial success, coupled with the controversy surrounding its animation, paints a complex picture of a film that has captured audiences' attention through both its story and, potentially, its borrowed visual flair.