Indian cinema is poised to make history with the announcement of its first fully AI-generated theatrical film. Titled 'Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal', this groundbreaking project is scheduled for a theatrical release on the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. The film is being directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Rajesh Mapuskar, marking a significant leap into uncharted technological territory for the industry.
AI as a Creative Partner, Not Just a Tool
In a detailed discussion, Director Rajesh Mapuskar elaborated on the fundamental difference between traditional animation and the AI-driven process used for this film. He explained that while animation grants creators absolute command over every minute detail, AI introduces a dynamic, collaborative element. Mapuskar described AI as behaving like an interactive partner, a parallel brain that works alongside the filmmaker.
"When you make animation, you have complete control over even a little muscle movement of your character. While AI is an interactive tool, it’s like another brain working in parallel with you," Mapuskar stated. He embraced the inherent unpredictability of AI, suggesting that this very quality can lead to unexpected and innovative creative breakthroughs, likening the experience to working with "a breathing person."
Dismissing Fears: AI and the Future of Film Jobs
A primary concern surrounding the rise of AI in creative fields is the potential loss of human jobs. Mapuskar addressed these fears head-on, firmly dismissing the notion that AI is a threat to employment in the film sector. He clarified that AI's core function is to accelerate processes, not to replace human talent and effort.
"AI is not going to replace human beings or reduce job opportunities. What AI will do is fasten the process," the filmmaker asserted. He emphasized that the key lies in the approach: filmmakers must control the technology, not be controlled by it. Mapuskar stressed that his project still relies on massive human collaboration, with a generative crew of no less than 200 people. He reaffirmed that ultimate creative control remains firmly with the human director, not the algorithmic tool.
Learning from the Past, Crafting a New Vision
Mapuskar's journey with AI is informed by prior experiences, including the AI-based series Mahabharat: Ek Dharmayudh. He highlighted the critical importance of audience feedback when working with evolving technology, noting that creators must be sensitive to viewer reactions as they shape the final content.
The director revealed that he closely analyzed responses to both the earlier series and the teaser for his own film, using those insights to refine his artistic vision. "I learned from what Mahabharat did and where it fell short. Now, I’m crafting my own vision for Chiranjeevi Hanuman," he shared, indicating a process of iterative learning and improvement.
For Mapuskar, integrating AI into filmmaking is no longer an optional experiment but an essential step forward for the industry's evolution. "We have to welcome AI and shake hands with it, not get threatened by it," he declared. He made it clear that for 'Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal', the technology serves the story, not the other way around. The film focuses on Hanuman's internal journey, with AI acting as the medium. As Mapuskar concluded, when asked if audiences will see the best AI film or simply the best film, his answer was definitive: "For me, it will always be the latter."
