Anand Gandhi Launches Epic Sci-Fi Universe With MAYA

Acclaimed filmmaker Anand Gandhi, known for Tumbbad and Ship of Theseus, is stepping into a new role as an author.

Along with game designer Zain Memon (SHASN, AZADI), he has created MAYA: Seed Takes Root, a sci-fi fantasy novel that launches a vast new universe spanning films, novels, and games.

The excitement around the project has been extraordinary. The novel, narrated by Hollywood legend Hugo Weaving (The Matrix, The Lord of the Rings), launched its Kickstarter campaign and smashed records within hours.

It crossed 430% of its funding goal, becoming the fastest-rising debut novel ever on the platform. MAYA: Seed Takes Root will reach readers in January 2026.

Anand Gandhi and Zain Memon said the response proves that people are eager for a new mythology that reflects today’s questions. With this momentum, MAYA is already being called one of the most ambitious sci-fi fantasy debuts in decades.

‘మన శంకర్ వరప్రసాద్ గారు’ కంటే ముందు ‘కిష్కింధపురి’ హిట్ అయ్యి నిర్మాత సాహు నాకు గిఫ్ట్ ఇవ్వాలని కోరుకుంటున్నాను : అనిల్ రావిపూడి
#Kishkindhapuri #BellamkondaSreenivas #AnupamaParameswaran #KoushikPegallapati #AnilRavipudi pic.twitter.com/bCyoDamD5S

— Filmy Focus (@FilmyFocus) September 10, 2025