Son of Thanjai Brings Tamil History to Life in Upcoming PS5 Game

Ayelet Studio has unveiled the teaser for its upcoming single-player action-adventure, Son of Thanjai, inviting players to step into the shoes of King Rajendra Chola. Set in medieval South India, the game combines intense combat, exploration, and culturally immersive experiences, with a planned release in 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

The teaser highlights both English and Tamil text, alongside a soundtrack rooted in traditional Tamil instruments, signaling the studio’s dedication to authentic cultural storytelling.

Ayelet Studio previously explored Tamil history in Unsung Empires: The Cholas I, released as a prologue on January 14, 2024, for PC, which reportedly made around 85,000 downloads within six months, according to the studio.

The reception for Unsung Empires: The Cholas I was largely tepid, with players criticizing the game for poor optimization and gameplay experience. One player criticized the game as the “most horribly optimized game” he had played. Others criticized more technical aspects of the game, including “visuals,” “combat,” and “traversal mechanics.”

While the game received some positive comments, they were largely focused on the setting of the game and its representation of Tamil culture.

With Son of Thanjai, the studio has expanded to a team of 30 experts across departments, leveraging extensive research, including trips to Thanjavur, consultations with historians, and in-depth studies of temple ruins and city planning. While creative liberties have been taken, the game aims to faithfully represent the culture, clothing, military strategies, and societal structure of the Chola period.

Son of Thanjai stands out by weaving Tamil culture directly into its gameplay rather than using it as a superficial backdrop. Combat is inspired by Kalaripayattu, and missions require players to investigate and piece together clues rather than follow linear quest markers. The game integrates cultural elements such as Jallikattu and historical army practices, showcasing aspects of Indian history within its gameplay.

The game is part of a broader trend where global titles like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and The Witcher adapt mythology and regional history into interactive storytelling. With Son of Thanjai, Ayelet Studio continues its focus on Tamil history, using the Chola empire as the central narrative and gameplay setting.

However, for Son of Thanjai to succeed, it will have to improve its gameplay mechanics and other technical aspects by a large margin to succeed in what is looking like an increasingly competitive Indian indie gaming industry.