‘Kaliyug Rising – The Beginning’ has carved a significant milestone for Indian storytelling on the global stage, securing a place among the top 10 entries in the prestigious Higgsfield Make Your Action competition. Ranking ninth worldwide, the project stood out among more than 9,000 entries from over 100 countries, emerging as the only Indian AI-driven film to achieve this recognition.

According to a UNI report, the achievement highlights a growing intersection between artificial intelligence and cinematic storytelling, with ‘Kaliyug Rising’ positioning itself at the forefront of this evolving space. The project brings together AI-first creative studio Imagine If and filmmaker Pratya Saha, combining technological innovation with narrative ambition.

What began as an experimental exploration into AI-led storytelling quickly gained momentum, with early videos from the project clocking over 60 million views within weeks of release. This initial traction laid the foundation for a more structured creative vision, reinforcing the idea that AI can scale storytelling to a global cinematic standard.

At the core of the project is a tightly knit creative team led by writer-director Pratya Saha, along with Krishna, founder of Imagine If, and AI artist Ankush Deva. Together, they have focused on pushing the boundaries of filmmaking by blending realism with advanced AI tools, while ensuring that storytelling remains central to the experience.

The recognition at a global competition of this scale signals a broader shift in how content is being created and consumed, particularly as AI continues to open new avenues for filmmakers. For Indian creators, ‘Kaliyug Rising’ serves as a proof point that technology-led narratives can compete on an international stage without losing their creative depth.

As AI-driven content continues to evolve, the project’s success could pave the way for more experimental formats and storytelling techniques, positioning India as an emerging hub for innovation in next-generation cinema.