Nikhil Siddhartha’s Epic Swayambhu Confirms Festival Release

Bringing together some of the most celebrated technicians and creative talents in Indian cinema, Swayambhu stands tall as one of the most ambitious films in recent years. Directed by Bharat Krishnamachari, the film boasts an extraordinary crew including KGF and Salaar music director Ravi Basrur, Baahubali and RRR cinematographer KK Senthil Kumar, and Baahubali editor Tammiraju, among many more. Produced by Bhuvan and Shreekar under Pixel Studios, the production spanned over 170 shooting days, reflecting its massive scale and meticulous craftsmanship.

The much-awaited announcement of the day has finally arrived—Nikhil Siddhartha, the star of the blockbuster Karthikeya franchise, is returning with a one-of-a-kind historical epic titled Swayambhu. The project was revealed in a spectacular wrap-up video, offering audiences a first glimpse of the film’s scale, breathtaking visuals, intense action, and the inspiring journey of an ordinary man rising to become a legendary warrior.

Following the nationwide success of Karthikeya 2, Nikhil is now set to enthrall audiences once again with his 20th film, mounted as a monumental Pan-India production. Presented by Tagore Madhu, Swayambhu is shaping up to be one of the biggest and most prestigious ventures of Nikhil’s career.

A Massive Production Draws to a Close

After an intense two-year journey, the makers officially confirmed that the film has wrapped production. With 170 shooting days spent across vast and intricately designed sets, Swayambhu celebrates India’s historical richness and timeless heritage. The film is slated for a grand worldwide theatrical release on Maha Shivaratri — February 13, 2026.

Nikhil described the experience as both “challenging and exhilarating” in the special announcement video titled Rise of Swayambhu, which showcases the film’s world-building and enormous visual scale. What began as a single-film concept gradually evolved into a vast cinematic universe, constructed with unwavering commitment, multi-crore investment, and unparalleled craftsmanship.

A Deep Dive Into India’s Untold Past

Rooted in India’s cultural and historical fabric, Swayambhu explores forgotten chapters of the past—narratives that go far beyond the familiar stories of kings and conquests. At its core lies the tale of a formidable warrior whose courage helped define an era.

The video also introduces Nikhil’s horse Maruthi and highlights the remarkable technical team shaping this magnum opus. Nikhil underwent extensive physical transformation and rigorous training to portray the character with authenticity. He even dubbed for his role in the Hindi version to retain the emotional depth of his performance.

Top-Notch Cast & Technical Brilliance

The film stars Samyuktha and Nabha Natesh as the female leads. Renowned cinematographer KK Senthil Kumar, known for Baahubali, RRR, and several major blockbusters, leads the film’s visual design. Music is composed by Ravi Basrur, the creative mind behind the thunderous scores of KGF and Salaar. Production designers M. Prabhaharan and Raveendra shaped the film’s massive visual landscapes with meticulous detail.

With filming now complete and the grand vision of Swayambhu entering its next phase, anticipation is soaring as fans look forward to witnessing this monumental Pan-India epic on the big screen.

The rise of Swayambhu has begun.