Indian mythology has inspired countless films and television series, yet more mysteries await revelations. The fascinating thing about it is how it embodies the history of the modern world's philosophies and beliefs. Brahmastra, a visually stunning full-length film released on September 9, 2022, is a prime example. The first installment of Ayan Mukherjee's Astraverse trilogy effectively touched the audience while receiving mixed reviews from critics due to the underdeveloped storyline.
Brahmastra, written and directed by Ayan Mukherjee, is a fantasy action adventure film based on Hindu mythology, grossing a whopping sum of 401 crores so far. The film is one of the most expensive Indian films ever made, with a budget exceeding the amount collected at the box office. Although it didn't excel in all aspects apart from VFX and CGI, the film did an outstanding job of conveying the notion of Indian gods and their weapons, known as Astras.
The franchise teased the fans with an intriguing revelation at the end of the first film, Brahmastra Part One: Shiva, leading to the announcement of the film's trilogy. So, here's everything we know about Brahmastra Part Two: Dev, one of the most awaited Indian film sequels.
Brahmastra 2: The Plot
The film's first part leads Ranbir Kapoor's Shiva to Amitabh Bacchan's Guru's sanctuary and introduces the secret society of Sages who have been protecting the Astras for centuries. Shiva discovered his past and why he held one of the most powerful Astras, Agneyastra, as he found the love of his life, Isha, and fought through the terrifying enemies, including Junoon, Zor, and Raftaar. Later in the film, Amrita, his mother, saves the entire world from her own husband, Dev, who seeks the power of Brahmastra.
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In the end, we witness Junoon fall off a cliff, but she survives and reassembles all the pieces of Brahmastra, leading to the awakening of Dev, the mastermind behind all the troubles. The activation of Brahmastra almost triggered the end of the world. Shiva's incredible resolve, however, halted its power, thereby shutting it down for good.
The first chapter sets everything in motion to build the storyline; evidently, Dev will be the main focus. Since the Astraverse is a trilogy, the second film may only disclose a portion of what is relevant to Astras and Dev's mad conquest to obtain Brahmastra. However, we'll most likely delve into his past to unravel the mystery of Astras and their former guardians. We're still skeptical about the final clash between Dev and Shiva since it wouldn't be entertaining to witness, considering Shiva is still weak, and Dev is insanely powerful.
Brahmastra 2: The Cast & Crew
The majority of the previously seen characters will reprise their roles in the second installment. However, actors such as Sharukh Kahn and Nagarjuna Akkineni, who played Mohan Bhargav and Anish Shetty, respectively, have made the ultimate sacrifice. Afterward, we see Tensing, played by Stanzin Derek, fall down the cliff, handing over Pawanastra to Alia Batt's Isha.
Junoon's whereabouts, on the other hand, remain unknown, and whether she perished on the cliff after fulfilling her destiny or survived to reign terror once more in the sequel is unclear.
During an interview with IndiaToday, Mouni Roy, who played Junoon, responded when asked about her part in the trilogy's remaining two films. She stated:
"I hope I do. I am manifesting it. But I honestly don't know. Hands on my heart, I really don't know. Ask Ayan to bring me back."
Ranbir Kapoor (Yeh Jawanani Hai Deewani) and Alia Bhatt (RRR) will continue their roles in part 2, as will Amitabh Bacchan, the biggest star of the 1970s and 1980s in Indian Cinema. Although the identity of Shiva's mother was kept a secret during the theatrical release, Deepika Padukone was confirmed to be Amrita, the bearer of Jalastra, when the film was released in OTT.
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The role of Dev, the main antagonist in Brahmastra Part One, is still being debated. Initially, the franchise sought Ranveer Singh (Bajirao Mastani) and Yash, who appeared in the Indian phenomenon KGF. They eventually thought of the appropriate actor, Vijay Devarakonda, for the part after they both refused it owing to their hectic schedules. The Brahmastra 2 production team informed Bollywood Hungama while commenting on Dev's role in an interview.
They stated:
"The Brahmastra franchise is being backed by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions. Yes, there were three actors who were approached, but now, Karan is looking at roping in Vijay. The two have worked together on Liger and understand how the other person works, so it comes a no surprise. Liger did not exactly hit the target, instead it was way off. Both Vijay and Karan are looking to work together one something that will definitely hit the mark, and kick-start Vijay's journey in Bollywood. Given this, essaying the role of Dev in Brahmastra 2 is perfect for Vijay and plays well for the makers of the film as well."
While they serve as the central figures in the following two parts, the supporting cast includes Dimple Kapadia as Savitri Devi, Gurfateh Pirzada as Sher, Lehar Khan as Raveena, Aditi Joshi as Rani, Marakand Soni as Santha, and several others.
Release Date
The director of the Brahmastra trilogy, Ayan Mukerji, has confirmed that Brahmastra Part Two: Dev will be released in December 2025.
Brahmastra Part One made quite an impression on the Indian cinema industry with its impeccable visuals, despite a lack of story development. Also, the initial half seemed too modern for a story about Indian mythology. Fortunately, the filmmaker indicated that the following film would alternate between past and present events, showing how Dev influenced the universe and conveying Indian Mythology more passionately.
Hopefully, the film stays true to its tone and offers content that will have a global impact, not only on Indian audiences.
