The franchise will begin with Shrimad Bhagavatam Part-1, which is currently in production. The project has been conceived by Amrit Sagar Chopra and Akash Sagar Chopra, grandsons of legendary filmmaker Ramanand Sagar. Amrit Sagar is directing the first installment, while the film is being produced under the banner of Sagar Pictures Entertainment. Spiritual teacher and author Sri M is serving as the research guide, and veteran producer Moti Sagar is mentoring the project.

Principal photography has commenced at Ramoji Film City. The inaugural muhurat ceremony was attended by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who formally launched the project and praised the effort to bring India's timeless epics to a new generation through cinema.

According to the filmmakers, the film series is based on the Bhagavata Mahapurana, one of Hinduism's most revered scriptures. The narrative will chronicle the life and teachings of Lord Krishna while also depicting several incarnations of Lord Vishnu, including Matsya, Varaha and Narasimha, alongside stories of Dhruva, King Prithu, Bharata and Sage Kapila. The makers say the films aim to combine scriptural authenticity with large-scale cinematic storytelling using modern filmmaking technology.

The technical team also brings international expertise to the production. Cinematographer Joel Schaefer has joined the project, while Academy Award-winning visual effects specialist Clyde Edwards is serving as executive producer. The visual effects work is being handled by Oscar-winning VFX company DNEG, which has collaborated on several major international productions.

Akash Sagar Chopra said the studio is entering a new phase by transforming itself from a traditional film and television production house into a global entertainment company driven by intellectual property, cinematic franchises and immersive experiences. He described Shrimad Bhagavatam as the foundation of that long-term vision, with plans to expand the mythology beyond films into gaming, music, consumer products and other entertainment formats.

Founded in 1954, Sagar Pictures has built a legacy spanning more than seven decades. The production house became a household name through television classics such as Ramayan and Shri Krishna, with its mythological programming reaching audiences across India and abroad. The company says its catalogue includes more than 55 television series and over 25 feature films.

The studio has dedicated the Shrimad Bhagavatam franchise to the memory of Ramanand Sagar and Leela Sagar. While casting details and a theatrical release schedule are yet to be announced, the makers have indicated that additional updates on Shrimad Bhagavatam Part-1 will be shared in the coming months as production progresses.