AI-Generated Feature Films Are No Threat to Live-Action Movies

After the massive success of Mahavatar Narasimha, a new trend has emerged in the form of AI-generated feature films. Recently, the first glimpse of Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal, an upcoming mythological film based on Lord Hanuman and directed by Rajesh Mapuskar, was unveiled in Bollywood. Close on its heels, Telugu director Chandoo Mondeti has joined the bandwagon with Vayuputra, a devotional animated feature film revolving around Lord Hanuman.

With AI-integrated cinema gaining traction, questions are being raised about whether such films pose a threat to conventional live-action feature films. Producer Vishnu Induri dismisses the concern. “I don’t think regular feature films can ever be replaced. Animation feature films are one form of storytelling, and we need to absorb them. Earlier, animation movies took a longer time and humongous manual hours, but AI has cut down that workload, and a few are adopting it,” he says.

The latest AI-driven projects feature visuals generated extensively using artificial intelligence, signalling an effort to blend mythology with new-age technology. Makers of Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal have described it as India’s first fully AI-generated theatrical feature. However, its announcement has reignited debates around the role of AI in filmmaking. Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently criticised AI-driven films, calling them a betrayal of human creators.

Responding to such criticism, Vishnu Induri says, “He is entitled to his view, but I think AI has made it easier for human beings working in varied departments. Storyboarding, art direction and set creation have become faster and more visually pleasing.” He points out that animated series like Chhota Bheem and anime such as Demon Slayer have enjoyed massive popularity. “Every format has its own audience. Different filmmakers try their hand at formats they are comfortable with, and this evolution keeps happening,” he adds.

On the increasing preference for mythological subjects in animated features, from Maha Avatar to Vayuputra, Vishnu notes that success breeds inspiration. “Filmmakers are influenced by recent box-office success. Since Mahavatar worked, more mythological stories are now being explored,” he says.

Sharing his perspective, director Chandoo Mondeti describes Vayuputra as a trailblazer in Telugu cinema. “I’m thrilled to step into the fascinating world of animation with Vayuputra. This has been my childhood dream—to tell the story of Lord Hanuman through animation. I’ve always been deeply inspired by Indian epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana,” he says.

The film will focus on the defining moment when Hanuman realises his true potential, leaps across the ocean in search of Goddess Sita and performs extraordinary feats. “I believe this tale will not only entertain but also inspire audiences of all ages,” Chandoo adds.

He also points out a practical advantage of animation-driven storytelling. “Big stars usually mean long waiting periods for dates. By then, scripts often get altered to suit a star’s image, which can dilute the essence of the story. With animation, I don’t have those constraints. I can tell the story exactly as I envision it,” he concludes.