The Totem

• 

  Poster

Inspiration

The Totem was born out of our team’s shared passion for resurrecting the forgotten folklore of India — stories shaped by forests, spirits, and centuries of oral tradition. We were inspired by the idea that myths evolve when cultures collide. Setting the film in the colonial era allowed us to explore a period where belief systems clashed violently, giving rise to some of the most potent transformations in Indian storytelling. In a world that feels increasingly fractured, we wanted to create a narrative that encourages respect for cultures and worldviews different from our own.

What it does

The Totem is a historical dark-fantasy thriller that immerses audiences in a storm-drenched jungle where a British hunter’s brutality awakens an ancient, forgotten force. As the hunter descends into a world of primal savagery and mythic retribution, the story becomes a meditation on power, hubris, and the sacredness of nature. The film reintroduces audiences to the fierce, awe-inspiring spirit of Baghasur — a god born of India’s deep, untamed folklore.

How we built it

We combined atmospheric world-building, meticulous period research, and elements from India’s tribal mythologies to craft a story that feels both grounded and otherworldly. Our team approached the project like a cross between a folklore excavation and a cinematic experiment — blending historical textures, dark fantasy aesthetics, and supernatural undertones. From developing a morally complex antagonist to shaping the silent, watching presence of the jungle, every detail was built to evoke mystery, dread, and reverence.

Challenges we ran into

One of our biggest challenges was balancing clarity with mystique. We wanted the supernatural elements to feel organic — emerging from the landscape instead of overpowering it. Another challenge was ensuring cultural authenticity while weaving in fantastical embellishments. Honoring indigenous beliefs, the colonial context, and the raw power of the jungle required careful research and sensitivity. Crafting a narrative that was thrilling yet respectful was a constant creative tightrope.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We are proud to have created a story that feels uniquely Indian yet universally resonant. The Totem blends folklore, history, and dark fantasy in a way that showcases the depth of India’s mythic imagination. We’re also proud of how the project evolved — especially our atmospheric tonal direction, the thematic layering around colonial arrogance and spiritual consequence, and the ability to capture a world where the forest itself becomes a character.

What we learned

This project taught us the power of restraint — that mystery is often more impactful when hinted at rather than shown. We learned how deeply folklore is tied to identity, memory, and conflict, especially in periods of upheaval like the colonial era. Most importantly, we learned how stories can serve as bridges between cultures, offering a space for empathy even when the narratives challenge our personal viewpoints.

What’s next for The Totem

We are now preparing to expand The Totem beyond a single film — exploring companion shorts, illustrated folklore guides, and a possible anthology of colonial-era dark fantasy tales centered around ancient Indian gods. Our next steps include refining the screenplay, developing concept art, and building partnerships with artists and storytellers who share our vision of honoring India’s mythology through modern cinematic storytelling. Ultimately, The Totem is just the beginning of a larger movement: bringing back the forgotten spirits of India’s forests, one tale at a time.

Built With

• ai
• elevenlabs
• kling
• midjourney
• veo