Collective Studios’ Historyverse announces Vikram Betal, a new AI-enabled film inspired by storytelling traditions. Developed as part of Historyverse’s growing slate of culturally rooted storytelling, the project reimagines the tales of King Vikramaditya and Betal through contemporary filmmaking and emerging technologies while preserving the essence of the original narratives.
Known for their layered moral dilemmas, philosophical questions, and enduring relevance, the stories of Vikram and Betal have shaped generations of storytelling. Through this adaptation, Historyverse seeks to introduce these narratives to modern audiences using new creative tools while retaining the curiosity, wisdom, and imagination that have made them a cultural touchstone for centuries.
As part of the project, Birla Open Minds will come on board as Knowledge Partner, supporting the initiative’s educational and cultural objectives. The collaboration reflects a shared belief that heritage and technology are not opposing forces but complementary tools that can help young audiences engage more deeply with the stories that have shaped the cultural imagination.
The association will also create opportunities for students across the Birla Open Minds network to gain exposure to the creative and technological processes involved in bringing the film to life. Through curated interactions and behind-the-scenes learning experiences, students will be introduced to the evolving role of artificial intelligence in storytelling, media, and content creation.
Vijay Subramaniam, Founder and Group CEO, Collective Artists Network said, “Through Historyverse, our vision is to bring India’s rich history, folklore, and storytelling traditions to new audiences in formats that feel contemporary and engaging. Vikram Betal is a perfect example of an enduring IP that continues to spark imagination and critical thinking.
“Our partnership with Birla Open Minds allows us to extend this journey into education, creating meaningful ways for young learners to connect with India’s cultural heritage through the power of storytelling,” Subramaniam said.
Nirvaan Birla, Managing Director, Birla Open Minds said, “We believe education should connect students with both cultural heritage and emerging technologies. The Vikram Betal project brings these two worlds together by reimagining one of India’s most iconic storytelling traditions through the use of Artificial Intelligence.
“It offers students a unique opportunity to engage with creativity, technology, and storytelling while remaining connected to the cultural foundations that continue to shape generations,” Birla added.
The film will be developed using the creative and production capabilities of Galleri5, Collective Studios’s AI storytelling studio, enabling new approaches to visual storytelling while maintaining a strong focus on narrative authenticity and cultural research.
The announcement marks another step in Historyverse’s broader mission to build a long-term storytelling platform dedicated to history, folklore, and cultural narratives across film, series, gaming, consumer experiences, and emerging formats.
Through projects like Vikram Betal, Historyverse continues to explore how technology can be used not only to create new forms of entertainment but also to preserve, reinterpret, and share storytelling traditions with audiences around the world.
