A Record-Breaking Kickstarter Debut
Acclaimed filmmaker Anand Gandhi, celebrated for his visionary works Tumbbad and Ship of Theseus, takes on a new role as author alongside game designer Zain Memon (SHASN, AZADI). Together, they launch MAYA: Seed Takes Root—a groundbreaking sci-fi fantasy that marks the beginning of the expansive MAYA universe, spanning films, novels, games, and more.
The Kickstarter campaign opened to unprecedented enthusiasm. Narrated by Hollywood legend Hugo Weaving (The Matrix, The Lord of the Rings), the project achieved 300% of its funding in just 15 minutes. Within hours, it rocketed past 430%, cementing its place as one of Kickstarter’s fastest-rising debut novels ever.
Fans Fuel a Global Phenomenon
Kickstarter, often called the world’s stage for creators, became the launchpad for MAYA’s mythology. Fans worldwide rushed to pre-order, making the campaign a record-breaking event that redefines the potential of literary crowdfunding.
Set to release in January 2026, MAYA: Seed Takes Root will be the first glimpse into a universe designed to reshape sci-fi and fantasy storytelling for a new generation.
Anand Gandhi & Zain Memon on the Journey
Reflecting on the overwhelming support, Gandhi and Memon shared:
“Today, we laid down the foundation stone of MAYA. It is simultaneously overwhelming and reassuring to see the world respond with such enthusiasm. This confirms what we’ve long believed—the world is hungry for a new mythology that speaks to the questions of today.”
A Bold New Mythology for the Future
With its audacious world-building, cinematic vision, and fan-driven momentum, MAYA: Seed Takes Root is already being hailed as the most anticipated sci-fi fantasy novel of 2026.
More than just a book, it is the beginning of a new mythology, crafted for a world seeking fresh narratives, timeless questions, and boundless imagination.
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