In a move that has reignited excitement for India’s ambitious “Astraverse,” producer Namit Malhotra officially confirmed the production of Brahmastra Part Two: Dev during a keynote session at CinemaCon 2026. Malhotra, the visionary behind the global VFX powerhouse DNEG and Prime Focus, revealed that the sequel to the 2022 fantasy epic is moving into active development, marking a new chapter for the franchise after years of industry speculation.
The announcement comes at a pivotal time for the Indian film industry, as Malhotra takes the reins to mount the project on a scale that promises to rival international superhero cinema.
One of the most significant takeaways from the CinemaCon announcement is the change in the production lineup. While Ayan Mukerji returns to the director’s chair, the project has transitioned away from its original home at Dharma Productions.
Industry insiders have long noted the friction following the first instalment, Brahmastra Part One: Shiva. Despite the film’s massive scale, the trade widely recognized that the high production costs—estimated at ₹350 crore—weren’t fully offset by its theatrical run. With an India nett of ₹267 crore and an overseas gross of ₹115 crore, the “Hit” status was debated among trade analysts who pointed toward a weak screenplay and storyline as barriers to a higher ROI.
By stepping in as the primary producer, Namit Malhotra brings the technical might of DNEG and a fresh financial perspective, signalling that the “Astraverse” is far from over.
As teased in the final moments of the first film, the sequel will dive deep into the origins of the Astraverse. Malhotra confirmed that Brahmastra Part Two: Dev centers on the complex backstory of Dev and Amrita, the powerful parents of the protagonist, Shiva.
Ranbir Kapoor will return to the franchise, though the makers remain tight-lipped about who will portray the titular character of Dev and the enigmatic Amrita. The sequel aims to rectify the narrative flaws of the first part by leaning into a darker, more emotionally resonant mythology. Director Ayan Mukerji has reportedly spent the last few years refining the script to ensure the screenplay matches the visual grandeur provided by Malhotra’s VFX teams.
Fans hoping for an immediate start to filming will need to wait a bit longer. Malhotra clarified that the production of Brahmastra 2 follows a strict chronological order within his production slate. Work on the sequel will officially commence only after the completion of his current magnum opus, Ramayana.
This scheduling ensures that the vast technical resources required for a world-class fantasy epic are fully available for Ayan Mukerji’s vision.
“We are building something that requires undivided attention,” Malhotra suggested during his press briefing. “Once the world of Ramayana is realized, we will shift our entire focus to the sprawling world of the Astras.”
With Namit Malhotra at the helm, the scale of Brahmastra 2 is expected to surpass its predecessor. As the CEO of DNEG, Malhotra has overseen the visual effects for some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, including Dune and Oppenheimer.
His direct involvement as a producer suggests that the sequel will rely less on traditional studio constraints and more on cutting-edge virtual production and proprietary VFX technology. This shift is likely a strategic move to lower the physical production costs while maximizing the visual fidelity, potentially solving the budget-to-revenue issues that plagued the first film.
By addressing the “weak storyline” criticisms head-on through his commitment to the script and world-building, Malhotra is effectively rebuilding the brand’s reputation. For entertainment news outlets, the narrative of a VFX titan saving a struggling franchise is a powerful “hook” that ensures high engagement across digital platforms.
The official confirmation of Brahmastra Part Two: Dev marks a bold risk and a massive opportunity for the Indian film industry. While the first film faced criticism for its screenplay, the sheer ambition of the world Ayan Mukerji created remains undeniable. Under the stewardship of Namit Malhotra, the sequel has the chance to marry world-class visuals with a more robust narrative structure.
As the production gears up to follow the Ramayana project, the industry remains hopeful that Dev will finally provide the payoff that audiences have been waiting for since 2022.
