Historyverse, the culturally focused label under India’s Collective Studios, has announced an AI-enabled film adaptation of the classic Indian folk tradition “Vikram Betal,” with Birla Open Minds joining as knowledge partner. The project draws from the age-old “Baital Pachisi,” a beloved collection of stories in which the spirit Betal narrates moral riddles to King Vikramaditya. The tales have remained deeply embedded in Indian storytelling for generations and continue to inspire modern retellings across media.
The most widely remembered screen version of the folklore is Ramanand Sagar’s “Vikram Aur Betaal,” which aired on DD National from October 1985 to April 1986. Starring Arun Govil as King Vikrama and Sajjan as the Vetala, the 26-episode series became a cultural landmark and reached viewers beyond India as well. Its success is often credited with encouraging Sagar to later create the influential “Ramayana” television series. Over the years, the story has also been adapted in other formats, including a Colors series, a 2004 Cartoon Network TV movie and an &TV series in 2018.
The new “Vikram Betal” film will be developed through Galleri5, Collective Studios’ in-house AI storytelling unit. The company is presenting the project as a way to use emerging technology to enhance, not replace, the story’s philosophical depth and traditional appeal. By combining artificial intelligence with a well-known cultural narrative, the studio aims to reintroduce the folklore to contemporary audiences in a fresh format.
A major part of the partnership with Birla Open Minds will focus on education and youth engagement. Students across the school network will be offered curated interactions and behind-the-scenes access to the making of the film. The collaboration is designed to help young learners understand how artificial intelligence is being used in modern content creation while also deepening their connection to Indian cultural heritage.
Vijay Subramaniam, founder and group CEO of Collective Artists Network, said “Vikram Betal” represents an enduring intellectual property that continues to inspire imagination and critical thinking. He said the collaboration with Birla Open Minds extends the project into education, offering meaningful ways for students to connect with India’s storytelling legacy through new technology.
Nirvaan Birla, managing director of Birla Open Minds, said education should bring together cultural heritage and emerging technologies. He described the project as a bridge between creativity, storytelling and artificial intelligence, giving students a chance to engage with both innovation and the traditions that have shaped generations.
The announcement also supports Historyverse’s broader goal of developing a long-term ecosystem around Indian history, folklore and cultural narratives across film, series, gaming and other emerging storytelling formats.
