AI Sparks New Clause Demand in Actor Contracts, Says Raj Kandukuri

“AI has advanced to the point where it can recreate an actor’s expression, a missed dance move, or even their voice without their physical presence,” said Kandukuri. “If a voice is fed into an AI system for just 30 minutes, it can be modulated and enhanced to a point where human dubbing artists might become obsolete,” he warned.

In response, actors and actresses are becoming more cautious and are insisting on clauses that restrict the use of AI without their consent. “Yes, it’s true. Artists now want a clear clause stating ‘No use of AI’ for their characters unless prior permission is taken. They are understandably concerned,” Kandukuri explained.

He pointed to the success of Mahavatar Narasimha, India’s first mythological animated feature film, which grossed more than ₹16 crore share in Telugu states alone, contributing to a ₹70 crore share nationwide. “Thanks to AI, the visuals were stunning, lifelike, and emotionally resonant. That’s what helped it click with audiences,” he added.

Looking ahead, Kandukuri predicts an AI-led animation boom in Telugu cinema. “After deities like Lord Vishnu, Shiva, Hanuman, and Durga, filmmakers will begin creating animated superheroes rooted in Indian mythology and culture,” he said.

Drawing parallels with Hollywood icons like Spider-Man and Superman, he envisions Telugu cinema introducing its own lineup of AI-enhanced animated heroes. “Over the next two decades, animated films will dominate, as they are far more cost-effective. Why spend ₹200 crore on a live-action socio-fantasy when an animation film made on ₹6 crore can deliver equal impact?” he concluded.

Giving a director's perspective on AI used in making films, like veteran actors like Amitabh Bachchan looking younger on screen in ‘Kalki 2898 AD’. “Everything is going to change by embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and Digital de-aging technology which would revolutionize every aspect of movie making in the days to come," says director Abhishek Nama who used AI for drafting pre-Independence era sets for his film ‘Devil’ ‘AI also makes it easier to design breath-taking sets, artifacts, and varied locations by using AI software, and our storyboard was loaded with splendid visuals authentically replicating the pre-Independence era. We can also use AI for recording a complete by choosing the raga, singers, orchestration, and even matching lyrics, things are changing rapidly,” he adds.