Bengaluru: Hombale Films, the production house behind blockbuster franchises such as KGF, Salaar and Kantara, has announced its next major project in the animation space. The company has partnered with Transcendental Films to produce an animated feature titled Saranagati – The Life of a Surrendered Soul, based on the life and spiritual journey of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada.
The announcement marks another step in Hombale Films’ expansion into animation following its venture with Mahavatar Narsimha. With Saranagati, the production house aims to bring the story of one of the most influential spiritual figures associated with the global spread of the Hare Krishna movement to cinema audiences.
The film will trace Prabhupada’s journey from India to the West and the circumstances that led to the establishment of an international spiritual movement.
The extraordinary journey of Srila Prabhupada
The story begins in 1965, when Prabhupada, then 69, travelled to New York City aboard a cargo ship with barely Rs 40 in his possession. He undertook the journey following the instructions of his spiritual teacher, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, who had urged him to take the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita to the Western world.
Prabhupada’s journey was marked by uncertainty, limited resources and the challenge of introducing India’s spiritual philosophy to audiences unfamiliar with its traditions.
Despite these difficulties, he went on to establish the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), popularly known as the Hare Krishna movement. The organisation grew into a global spiritual community, spreading teachings centred on Krishna consciousness, devotion and the Bhagavad-gita.
The animated feature will explore this transformation, focusing on the personal conviction and determination behind Prabhupada’s mission.
AI motion capture to shape animation
One of the distinctive aspects of Saranagati is its proposed animation process. Instead of relying entirely on conventional animation techniques, the makers are adopting an AI-assisted motion-capture approach.
Real performers will enact scenes, while multi-camera systems capture their movements, facial expressions, posture and shifts in body weight. The recorded movement data will then be mapped onto three-dimensional character models.
The technique is intended to create more natural character movements and expressions, avoiding the stiff or mechanical appearance sometimes associated with computer-generated animation.
By capturing the physical performances of actors, the filmmakers aim to retain the subtle details of human movement while translating them into animated characters.
The approach also reflects the growing use of artificial intelligence and advanced digital technologies in film production. However, the makers have not yet disclosed further technical details about the animation pipeline or the extent of AI involvement in the final production.
Hombale Films expands its animation ambitions
Hombale Films has established a strong presence in Indian cinema through large-scale productions, including the KGF franchise, Salaar and Kantara. The production house has also ventured into animation with Mahavatar Narsimha, drawing on India’s mythological and spiritual traditions.
Its partnership with Transcendental Films for Saranagati signals a continued interest in adapting stories rooted in Indian spiritual heritage for contemporary audiences.
The project also reflects an effort to combine traditional narratives with modern filmmaking techniques. While Kantara drew on regional folklore and cultural traditions, Saranagati will focus on a spiritual figure whose influence extended beyond India.
The makers are looking to present Prabhupada’s life in a format that can connect with younger viewers while introducing international audiences to the story behind the Hare Krishna movement.
Creative team and production details
Saranagati – The Life of a Surrendered Soul is written and directed by Gaura Shakti Dasa. Rajesh Singh and Lohith Rao are producing the film.
Production is currently underway. The makers are expected to announce details about the voice cast and release schedule in the coming months.
With its focus on Prabhupada’s remarkable journey and its use of AI-assisted animation technology, the film represents an ambitious collaboration between Hombale Films and Transcendental Films.