New Delhi [India]January 1: Cinema rarely witnesses the birth of a universe: it usually inherits it. The rise of the fallen breaks that pattern. More than a film, it is the genesis of India’s first horror cult universe, an ambitious, interconnected mythology designed to expand across films, books, manga, games, fashion, and hidden interactive narratives.
This is not a standalone movie experience. Rising of the Fallen is the opening ritual: a carefully structured introduction to a dark world that will unfold chapter by chapter across multiple media. Like global cinematic universes like Marvel, DC or The Conjuring, this movie doesn’t try to answer all the questions. Rather, it invites the audience into something much bigger, deeper, and intentionally mysterious.
The universe is designed to exist beyond the screen. Hidden links, visual codes, coded symbols, and narrative clues are embedded throughout the film. The signs themselves contain hidden meanings. The dialogues hint at events that are yet to come. Each element functions as a gateway to the broader universe of the horror cult.
At its core, Rise of the Fallen represents a bold evolution of Indian horror: moving from isolated stories to a global, cult-driven world-building.
The creator behind the universe
The Horror Cult Universe is created by Aluvala Saiteja Gupta, a multidisciplinary filmmaker whose experience spans seven feature films in India. On these films, he has worked in multiple key roles: lead editor, visual effects artist, visual effects supervisor, composer, Roto Paint artist, assistant director and associate editor, demonstrating his expertise across the spectrum of filmmaking.
His creative track record includes over 50 national and international awards, notably won for his acclaimed short film The Reprisal, along with accolades associated with platforms connected to the legacy of Dadasaheb Phalke. Beyond film, he is also a published author and manga creator, making this universe a perfect convergence of film, literature, and illustrated storytelling.
Saiteja Gupta serves as creator, director, editor, visual effects artist and co-writer of Rising of the Fallen, personally shaping the universe on every creative level.
“This is not just my first film,” he says. “It is the basis of an entire universe.”
Writers of the horror cult universe
The Horror Cult Universe is written by Aluvala Saiteja Gupta and Tarun Raj. Tarun Raj, a debut writer, brings a raw and haunting narrative voice that deepens the mythology and psychological intensity of the universe.
Together, they’re not writing a single story: they’re building a mythology designed to evolve across continents, timelines, and formats.
The literary chapters of the universe
Beyond cinema, the universe of the cult of terror already exists in literature.
Official book chapters include:
• Chapter 1: The Echo – The Unknown Sound
• Chapter 2: Winter (coming soon)
Each book is in-universe canon, directly connected to the events, symbols, and cult mythology presented in Rising of the Fallen. These books will be released worldwide on Amazon, making the universe accessible to readers around the world.
The book series has already achieved recognition as an Amazon bestseller, reflecting a strong international readership and reinforcing the reach of the universe beyond cinema.
Each chapter reveals fragments of a larger truth: stories that intersect with the films, manga, and future installments of the Horror Cult Universe.
The core creative team
The universe comes to life thanks to a focused and highly qualified creative team.
Sai Kumar, one of the leading VFX artists, has a degree in Fine Arts – Animation and Visual Effects. His technical expertise plays a crucial role in shaping the film’s haunting atmosphere and otherworldly realism.
The film has two main directors of photography:
• Oliver Cox, an award-winning UK-based cinematographer, who has previously worked as lead cinematographer on two feature films, bringing international visual standards and cinematic depth.
• Shivaa Karthik, whose mood-based cinematography grounds the film in emotional realism and shadow-laden intensity.
Visual Identity and Design
Omkar Kadiyam, the film’s graphic designer, is a key creative force behind the universe’s visual identity. Having worked on multiple films with established production companies, he is known for creating impactful and memorable posters. In Rising of the Fallen, their designs carry hidden symbolism that connects directly to the mythology of the universe.
Independent by choice
Rising of the Fallen follows an independent distribution model, managed entirely by its creators. This guarantees complete creative freedom and allows the universe to develop without compromise.
The film doesn’t ask audiences to simply watch: it challenges them to observe, decode, and connect.
just the beginning
What the audience experiences in Rising of the Fallen is just the first door that opens. There are still many announcements to come. Many secrets remain hidden: in frames, posters, books and sound.
This is not a small film.
This is not a one-time story.
This is the birth of a horror cult universe.
And Rising of the Fallen is where it begins.
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