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Beyond Marvel and DC: Can Indian mythology become the next global storytelling universe?
From AI-powered filmmaking to taking Indian mythology to audiences worldwide, a recent gathering of filmmakers, producers, animators and technologists in Hyderabad explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping cinema. Beyond the possibilities of new technology, discussions also turned to the stories filmmakers choose to tell and whether India’s vast repository of mythology, folklore and cultural history could find a wider global audience.‘Aspiring filmmakers may be able to create extraordinary films using just their phones’Producer and Telangana Film Development Corporation Chairman Dil Raju believes artificial intelligence could be the next major shift in filmmaking, making it more accessible to aspiring creators. “VFX entered Indian cinema nearly two decades ago with films like Arundhati and Magadheera, Kochadaiiyaan. While Hollywood has been using these technologies for years, the pace at which AI is evolving is completely different. In the future, aspiring filmmakers may be able to create extraordinary films using just their phones. They won’t necessarily need large offices or studios — they’ll have the freedom to work independently and bring their ideas to life,” he said, adding, “The way technology is evolving, especially with AI, will continue to surprise audiences. The response to films like HanuMan shows that people are excited by fresh cinematic experiences powered by new technology.”
In the future, aspiring filmmakers may be able to create extraordinary films using just their phones. They won’t necessarily need large offices or studios — they’ll have the freedom to work independently and bring their ideas to life
–Dil Raju, producer and Telangana Film Development Corporation Chairman
‘AI can support storytelling, but it cannot replace the emotions’Director Rajesh Mapuskar, who spoke about his upcpoming global AI film ChiranjeeviHanuman, sees the technology as an evolving filmmaking tool rather than a substitute for human imagination. Calling Hyderabad an important part of India’s filmmaking ecosystem, he said, “Hyderabad has given us filmmakers like Rajamouli, who have taken Indian cinema to the world stage. Being here and taking this global journey forward feels extremely special.” Mapuskar believes filmmakers must understand AI’s strengths and limitations, particularly when it comes to consistency, continuity and the emotional flow of a story. “Many moments in my films come from my own life experiences, memories and observations. That authenticity comes from being human, and I don’t think AI can ever recreate it. The filmmaker’s vision, emotions and perspective are what give a story its soul,” he said.
AI can support storytelling, but it cannot replace the emotions and experiences that a filmmaker brings. It will always remain a tool, while the storyteller gives it imagination and authenticity–Rajesh Mapuskar, director
‘Our mythological stories have not been explored enough’’India’s mythology, folklore and cultural history could offer the foundation for stories with global appeal, believes Vijay Subramaniam, CEO of a pop culture, talent management, and digital media company and a producer. He sees an opportunity to bring these narratives to international audiences, drawing attention to the scale of India’s storytelling heritage and the potential to develop it into globally recognised franchises. “I think our stories have not been explored enough. If you ask someone what India’s equivalent of Marvel, DC or Disney is, we rarely talk about our own treasure trove of folklore, culture and history. For me, telling Indian stories is a very personal mission because these stories need to reach the world,” he said.
If you ask someone what India’s equivalent of Marvel, DC or Disney is, we rarely talk about our own treasure trove of folklore, culture and history. For me, telling Indian stories is a very personal mission because these stories need to reach the world–Vijay Subramaniam
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