Shiv Sati: Vivek Anchalia’s Animated Film Tells an Immersive Tale of Shiva and Sati’s Cosmic Romance

Directed by Vivek Anchalia, Shiv Sati is positioned as a large-scale cinematic experience offering an immersive retelling of Shiva and Sati’s cosmic romance. Ahead of Maha Shivaratri, the makers unveiled the teaser of the never-before-seen animated feature inspired by an emotional chapter from the Shiv Puranam. 

Scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release in 2026, the large-format spectacle will showcase the legendary tale of Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati. The film aims to combine scale, emotion, and cutting-edge animation to reintroduce the story to a new generation.

Shiv Sati Teaser Features the Love Story of Lord Shiva and Parvati

Helmed by writer-filmmaker Vivek Anchalia, Shiv Sati is not a typical love story but also taps into extreme levels of devotion and pain. Anchalia states, “I’ve always been fascinated by love stories, but when I began reading about Shiv and Sati, I encountered love on a scale I had neither seen nor heard of. Bringing what is often called the first love story of the universe to life is both exhilarating and an immense responsibility.” The director believes that the latest technology and the audience’s appetite for grand spectacles make it the perfect time for creating the grand spectacle.

Shiv Sati promises a mythological epic, blending tradition with contemporary storytelling craft. For the unversed, the story begins with the daughter of King Daksha, Sati, who ties the knot with Shiva against her father’s will. After Daksha insulted Shiva, Sati warned him that Shiva’s wrath would destroy him and his kingdom. Due to the humiliation, she jumped into the sacrificial fire and passed away. Her soul was reborn as Parvati to King Himavat (the King of the Himalayas) and Queen Mena. Goddess Parvati performed a penance of thousands of years, yearning to marry Shiva. He went into deep meditation following the loss of his first wife, Sati. At Shringi Tirtha, the Goddess Parvati was determined and stood the test of time. She protected herself against the extreme weather, fasting, and standing on one leg while chanting the Panchakshara mantra. 

Kamadeva (the god of love) broke Shiva’s meditation. He shot an arrow to hint to him about the desires and penance of Parvati. Fueled with rage, Shiva opened his third eye and burned Kamadeva to ashes. Then, Shiva mocked himself into an old Brahmin to test Goddess Parvati’s intense penance. But Goddess remained devoted and proved her unconditional love for Shiva. Impressed by her devotion, Lord Shiva accepted Goddess Parvati and married her in the presence of all the gods, demons, ghosts, and creatures. Now, it is intriguing to know whether writer-filmmaker Vivek Anchalia gives the audience a chance to witness their love story on the big screen.