MAYA Universe: A New Mythology for the 21st Century
- Eddie Avil
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
In the age of imitation, repetitive trends, and algorithm-driven content , MAYA emerges as an ambitious, visionary mythology—one that transcends traditional storytelling and crafts an expansive universe reflecting the complexity of modern humanity. Conceived by acclaimed filmmaker Anand Gandhi and pioneering game designer Zain Memon, MAYA is not just a story; it is a multi-dimensional mythos unfolding across films, games, graphic novels, books, toys, and immersive experiences to redefine how we engage with stories in the 21st century.
A Universe Like No Other: Welcome to Neh
At the heart of MAYA lies Neh, a dazzlingly intricate realm inhabited by diverse sapient species, each bearing unique cultures, histories, and biological marvels.
The industrious manushyas harness clockwork technologies and towering spring-powered machines to bend the environment to their will. In stark contrast, the bio-adaptive rakshasis use advanced biotech to safeguard nature, resisting the expansive ambitions of the manushyas. The militaristic vaanars patrol the cities’ vast grid-networks, maintaining order with fierce resolve & the once-persecuted naags stealthily regain influence Overseeing society’s spiritual domain, the affluent garudas stand as powerful religious leaders, locked in long-standing rivalry with the naags.
Maya: The Living Bridge Between Worlds
MAYA’s mythic core is the enigmatic tree named Maya, whose aerial roots allow beings to tether themselves and enter shared, vivid hallucinations that blur the lines between dream and reality. This “Maya” is reimagined from its ancient philosophical meaning of illusion into a symbol of emergent complexity—the boundless possibilities that arise when individual elements interact to create something far greater.
Among Neh’s inhabitants, a select few master the true power of Maya, ascending to Divyahood—beings of near-omnipotence whose existence shapes waking life itself.
MAYA showcases extraordinary worldbuilding that weaves together evolutionary biology, architecture, and society’s complexities. Imagine the manushyas’ cog-and-lever powered citadels towering skyward, alongside rakshasi dwellings alive with symbiotic mite colonies—a speculative architectural vision that breathes life into this otherworldly cosmos.
This project pioneers a new narrative form called neo-mythology—a transmedia narrative universe designed from inception to span multiple formats and captivate global audiences. It bridges ancient South Asian wisdom with cutting-edge contemporary science and game theory, offering creators and audiences a boundless sandbox for imagination.
Games, Stories, and Interactive Frontiers
Beyond lore-rich narratives, MAYA expands its reach with upcoming experiences like Yuyutsu, a tactical combat card game that combines strategic deck-building with grid-based battles, and Scales – The Quest to Be Forgotten, a noir detective story that delves into political intrigue and memory erasure within Neh’s complex social fabric.
The Visionaries Behind MAYA
Director Anand Gandhi, whose films Ship of Theseus and Tumbbad have garnered global acclaim, brings cinematic depth and philosophical gravitas. Game designer Zain Memon, celebrated for award-winning board games played worldwide, infuses MAYA with innovative gameplay and immersive mechanics. Together, their collaboration via the Department of Lore studio sets a new standard for storytelling innovation, imagination, and cultural resonance.
A Myth for Our Times
MAYA is more than entertainment—it is a reflection of civilization’s defining struggles, hopes, and ambitions. It invites us to question who we are through elaborate new stories that echo classical mythology but are deeply rooted in contemporary science and philosophy. As MAYA’s vivid worlds unfold, they offer a mirror and a sandbox for all who dare to tether themselves, explore new realities, and awaken to infinite possibility.
When you gaze into Maya, Maya gazes back into you.