Tumbbad Director Anand Gandhi Debuts as Author with Sci-Fi Fantasy MAYA: Seed Takes Root

Ziya Khan September 11, 2025Last Updated: September 11, 2025

Acclaimed filmmaker Anand Gandhi, celebrated for his visionary films Tumbbad and Ship of Theseus, is now making his literary debut with the sci-fi fantasy novel MAYA: Seed Takes Root. Collaborating with game designer Zain Memon (known for SHASN and AZADI), this novel marks the launch of the expansive MAYA universe—a bold new narrative world that will extend beyond books to films, games, and other media.

The excitement surrounding MAYA: Seed Takes Root reached a fever pitch with its Kickstarter campaign, narrated by Hollywood icon Hugo Weaving (famous for The Matrix and The Lord of the Rings). The campaign surpassed its funding target within hours, raising more than 430% of the goal. This remarkable achievement made it the fastest-rising debut novel on Kickstarter ever and set new records on the platform.

Kickstarter serves as a global stage where creators connect with fans through pre-orders, enabling projects to come to life with community support. MAYA: Seed Takes Root is slated for release in January 2026, promising readers an immersive journey into a richly crafted sci-fi fantasy world.Reflecting on the overwhelming response, Anand Gandhi and Zain Memon said, “Today, we laid down the foundation stone of MAYA. It is both overwhelming and reassuring to witness such global enthusiasm.

This confirms our belief that the world is craving a new mythology—one that addresses today’s pressing questions.”With its unprecedented momentum, MAYA: Seed Takes Root has positioned itself as the most anticipated sci-fi fantasy novel of 2026. It is being hailed as an audacious, world-building debut that could redefine the genre, offering a fresh mythology for a new generation and promising an ambitious storytelling journey spanning multiple platforms.