Navratri celebrates the many forms of the Divine Feminine, from the nurturing and compassionate to the fierce and invincible. In Indian cinema, this eternal source of power has inspired stories of devotion, courage, sacrifice and the triumph of good over evil. Here is a list of films to revisit now and projects to look forward to.
Nayyi Navelli
in theatres on October 16, 2026, Nayyi Navelli, starring Yami Gautam and Addinath Kothare, is a recent release celebrating the divine feminine. Directed by Balaji Mohan, the film combines horror and humour, offering a contemporary alternative to conventional mythological storytelling.
Mookuthi Amman
The 2020 Tamil fantasy comedy Mookuthi Amman remains a standout modern portrayal of the Divine Feminine. Starring Nayanthara as the titular Goddess, the film follows a television reporter whose life changes when the deity intervenes in his world. Blending comedy with social commentary, the film challenges religious exploitation while celebrating faith and the Goddess’s protective power.
Ammoru
The Telugu devotional fantasy Ammoru (1995), starring Soundarya and Ramya Krishna, tells a story of devotion, protection and the Goddess’s intervention against evil. With its supernatural spectacle and emotionally charged narrative, the film belongs to a rich tradition of Indian cinema in which the Goddess is an active protector of her devotees.
Mookuthi Amman 2 (Mahashakti)
The much-anticipated sequel to Mookuthi Amman is scheduled to release in theatres on November 6, 2026, ahead of the Diwali weekend. Directed by Sundar C, Mahashakti brings Nayanthara back as the titular Goddess, with a larger mythological conflict at its centre. The sequel is expected to expand the franchise’s blend of fantasy, humour and devotional storytelling.
Maha Devi Adishakti – The Legend of Maa Durga
Scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release in February 2027, Maha Devi Adishakti – The Legend of Maa Durga is an upcoming animated feature directed by Milind Nandanwar and written by Akshat Gupta. The film will explore the stories of Goddess Durga and her different manifestations, including Mahishasuramardini and Goddess Kali. With more than 150 animators working on the project, it aims to bring India’s mythological heritage to younger audiences through handcrafted animation.
Mahishasuramardini
The story of Mahishasuramardini, Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura is one of the most enduring narratives associated with Navratri. An AI-driven mythological film project exploring this legendary battle represents an emerging direction in Indian storytelling. Some films celebrate devotion, others explore the misuse of faith, and newer films are finding fresh ways to bring ancient stories to life through animation and emerging filmmaking technologies.
As Navratri concludes, these stories remind us that the Divine Feminine is more than a cinematic spectacle or a festival symbol. She represents courage, compassion, resilience and the power to stand against injustice.
