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Key Points

Anand Gandhi and Zain Memon introduce MAYA, a bold storytelling project designed to combat digital manipulation. The universe spans multiple formats, including novels and games, blending sci-fi with deep philosophical inquiry. MAYA aims to empower audiences by revealing hidden systems of control in the AI era. The first novel, "Maya: Seed Takes Root," launches globally in August 2025.

Key Points: Anand Gandhi and Zain Memon Launch MAYA Universe to Combat AI Manipulation

  • MAYA blends sci-fi and philosophy to expose digital manipulation
  • Explores truth vs dogma and freedom vs control
  • Spans films, games, novels, and immersive experiences
  • Developed with biologists, linguists, and systems theorists
2 min read

Filmmaker Anand Gandhi calls 'Maya' a bold step in using fiction to influence society

Filmmaker Anand Gandhi and game designer Zain Memon unveil MAYA, a narrative universe tackling AI-era manipulation through fiction and philosophy.

"MAYA doesn’t just entertain; it empowers. It demystifies the invisible architecture of control. – Anand Gandhi"

Mumbai, Aug 1

Visionary filmmaker Anand Gandhi, along with game designer Zain Memon, has launched the MAYA Narrative Universe—a bold and timely mythology designed for the age of AI.

Described as a powerful response to the era of narrative manipulation, Gandhi shared, “We’re witnessing the greatest experiment in narrative control in human history. MAYA is a response to that. MAYA doesn’t just entertain; it empowers. It demystifies the invisible architecture of control, from the data trails we leave behind to the subconscious nudges we don’t even notice. This universe is a toolkit for immunity against digital manipulation.”

The game designer-tech specialist Zain Memon (SHASN, AZADI) added, “Maya isn’t about heroes vs villains. It’s about the defining conflicts of our civilization today: truth vs dogma, innovation vs stagnation, freedom vs control, and haves vs have-nots.”

Conceived by visionary filmmaker Anand Gandhi (Ship of Theseus, Tumbbad) and innovative game designer and tech expert Zain Memon (SHASN, AZADI), “Maya” is a groundbreaking science-fiction fantasy from the cutting-edge storytelling collective, Department of Lore Inc.

The “Maya” narrative universe expands across a wide spectrum of storytelling formats—from films, games, and novels to toys, graphic novels, and immersive experiences. Its journey begins with the launch of the first novel, Maya: Seed Takes Root, set to release globally on August 19, 2025.

Blending elements of science fiction, fantasy, and deep philosophical inquiry, Maya is crafted for the hyperconnected, hyperaware minds of the modern world. It delves into the questions we often overlook—probing how thoughts are influenced, decisions subtly guided, and futures quietly engineered.

Crafted over four years by the Department of Lore, the "Maya" universe is the result of a rich collaboration with experts ranging from evolutionary biologists and linguists to architects, philosophers, and systems theorists.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Rohit P
Sounds interesting but also a bit pretentious? We have real problems like unemployment and inflation - do we really need another fictional universe? Hope it's more than just intellectual masturbation.
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Arjun K
As someone working in tech, this is exactly the kind of content we need today. The way algorithms manipulate us is scary. More power to the team for taking on this challenge! Jai Hind 🇮🇳
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Sarah B
The multidisciplinary approach is impressive! Combining science, philosophy and storytelling could make complex ideas accessible to masses. Hope it gets good regional language translations too.
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Vikram M
After Ship of Theseus, I'll watch anything Anand Gandhi makes. But 2025 is too far! Why can't they release something sooner? The concept sounds urgent for our times.
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Kavya N
Love that it's not just another superhero story. The 'haves vs have-nots' conflict is so relevant in India today. Hope they include Indian perspectives on digital divide and rural connectivity.

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