India's anime conversation is getting a distinctly local entry. Project Maya, described by Canvas as the country's first original short-form anime series, is scheduled to arrive in the first week of October 2026.
Created by Indian studio Otaku Bharat, the Hindi-language series has been developed over 12 months by 30 Indian animators and creators.
Here’s what we know about Project Maya till now.
Project Maya Story: What Is The Anime About?
The makers have kept the detailed story undisclosed, but the central idea has been clearly outlined.
The plot revolves around the central question of how the meaning of freedom has changed from the generation that saw India’s independence to today’s young Indians.
The story uses Indian characters and cultural references to explore the shift in the meaning of independence and freedom across generations.
The available information does not describe Project Maya as a historical drama about India's freedom struggle. Instead, the independence era serves as the starting point for a broader generational comparison.
As per a report by Money Control, Abhinav Singla, Co-founder and CEO of Canvas, said, “India has one of the most passionate anime audiences in the world, but the stories watched here are still largely created outside the country.”
“This series has been developed by Indian animators, voiced by Indian artists, and built around a question that is deeply relevant to us. What did independence mean to people a century ago, and what does it mean to a young Indian today?” he added.
Singla further stated, “Thirty animators and creators worked on this series for nearly a year. That investment of time matters because we did not want to simply place Indian names and locations inside a familiar format. The ambition was to develop a visual world and story that feel Indian at their core.”
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Project Maya Cast Details
The makers have not yet released a complete voice-cast list.
However, Sanket Mhatre, a veteran Indian voice and dubbing artist, is the first confirmed voice name of the project. His particularly recognisable work is associated with Ben 10 and other animated characters.
When And Where Will Project Maya Release?
Project Maya will initially launch in Hindi on Canvas during the first week of October 2026. Canvas, as per The Hindu, has said that English and regional Indian-language dubs will follow, although specific dates for those versions have not been announced.
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Project Maya: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
| Title | Project Maya |
| Format | Short-form Anime Series |
| Production Studio | Otaku Bharat |
| Releasing Platform | Canvas App |
| Language | Hindi |
| Releasing Date | First Week of October |
| Development Period | 12 months |
| Executive Producer | Rob Pereyda |
| Voice Over Artist | Sanket Mhatre |
| Episode Numbers | Not Announced |
With an Indian creative team and a story exploring freedom across generations, Project Maya is set to build a distinctly Indian anime fantasy. Which is your favourite Anime till now?
FAQs
Q1. When is Project Maya releasing?
A1. Project Maya is scheduled to premiere on Canvas in the first week of October 2026.
Q2. Where can I watch Project Maya?
A2. Project Maya will initially stream in Hindi on the Canvas app.