As debates around artificial intelligence continue to divide the film industry, National Award winning director Rajesh Mapuskar has taken a bold step. He is directing India’s first fully AI generated theatrical film titled Chiranjeevi Hanuman: The Eternal, positioning it as a landmark cinematic experiment.
The AI created film is scheduled for a theatrical release on Hanuman Jayanti this year. At a time when several artists are voicing concerns over AI replacing human effort, the project has already sparked intense discussion across industry circles.
Speaking about the film, Rajesh Mapuskar described it as a rare opportunity that felt destined to come his way. He shared that the project allowed him to explore uncharted territory and test the creative possibilities offered by artificial intelligence.
Explaining the difference between AI and traditional animation, he noted that animation offers complete control over character movements. AI, however, functions as an interactive collaborator, often responding unpredictably and delivering results that go beyond initial imagination.
Rajesh added that working with AI feels like collaborating with another thinking mind. While it may not always follow instructions precisely, it often surprises creators with outcomes that would be difficult to achieve through conventional methods.
Despite growing fears within the industry, Rajesh believes AI will not replace human creativity or reduce employment. According to him, AI simply accelerates workflows and enhances efficiency when used with intent and understanding.
The debate intensified recently after the AI generated web series Mahabharat: Ek Dharmayudh faced strong criticism for errors and poor execution. With more filmmakers embracing AI, questions remain about whether technology threatens artistic integrity or merely reshapes the future of filmmaking.
