Ancient Sorcery and Martial Arts: Kerala Folklore Reimagined in Maayan Comic Series
Kochi-based Carmond Infinity has launched a fantasy comic series rooted in 15th-century Calicut and Kalabhra dynasty legends. The project follows a fugitive poet and a sorcerer-warrior navigating a world of indigenous witchcraft.
The Convergence of History and Myth
Set against the backdrop of 15th-century Calicut, the Maayan comic series introduces a narrative partnership between Raman, a displaced royal poet's apprentice, and Maari, a skilled Kalari fighter. Maari identifies as a member of the Maayans, a clandestine order of sorcerer-warriors. Historical lore suggests this group existed during the Kalabhra dynasty, a power that governed segments of South India between the third and sixth centuries.
Created by Visakh PK and Ananthakrishnan TU, the series emerged from Kochi-based studio Carmond Infinity. Production is led by Rijas Sulaiman Nalakath, with Visakh VM contributing to the script. The creative team aimed to leverage the global appeal of martial arts and the supernatural while maintaining a strict focus on regional identity. This strategy follows the local success of entities like Odiyan, a shape-shifting figure from Kerala's rural myths.
Global Aspirations and Market Growth
The project gained momentum after a pitch in December 2025. The creators sought feedback at the Animators Guild India Fest in Mumbai, sharing samples with the artists behind legendary manga series like One Piece and Crayon Shin Chan. Positive reinforcement from these industry veterans served as a catalyst for the production.
Since debuting its first edition at the Kochi Comic Con in February, the series has reached its fifth issue and moved over 2,000 copies. The publication plan has expanded significantly; while the team originally projected a 25-issue run, they have now doubled that target to 50 editions. Key project figures include:
- Visakh PK: Creative Director and Co-writer
- Ananthakrishnan TU: Co-creator
- Rijas Sulaiman Nalakath: Producer
- Ruksana CA: Operations Head
- Visakh VM: Co-writer
Beyond the Page: Cinematic Ambitions
The creators argue that the regional setting provides a distinct edge over traditional urban superhero tropes. By utilizing figures like the Chaathan—a Malayali goblin equivalent—the series taps into a cultural reservoir that modern audiences find refreshing. This shift toward rural representation mirrors the success of films like Minnal Murali and Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra.
Carmond Infinity previously collaborated with Weekend Blockbusters on the Captain Raaj comic, which is now being transitioned into an animated series. For Maayan, the ultimate objective is a screen adaptation. The studio is currently in negotiations with directors and producers to serve as creative leads for a film or series transition. Building a robust readership through the comic issues is seen as a strategic prerequisite for the two-year film development cycle ahead.
Source: The Hindu – Entertainment
