Stories have long been integral to human consciousness and continue to be used as a tool of statecraft and brand building in the modern world. Mainstream and social media narratives significantly shape public opinion. The Hindi film industry, a significant soft power, is increasingly producing films that reclaim India's civilizational voice. Movies like 'Kantara' and 'Dhurandar' are highlighted for their confident grounding in tradition, land, and memory, offering a departure from purely escapist entertainment and signaling a potential shift in India's storytelling.