'We Have To Welcome AI And Shake Hands With It,' Says Rajesh Mapuskar On Chiranjeevi Hanuman

It’s not every day that Indian cinema steps into completely uncharted territory. This year, that leap comes with Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal, billed as India’s first fully AI-generated theatrical

release, set to arrive in cinemas on Hanuman Jayanti. Steering this ambitious experiment is National Award-winning filmmaker Rajesh Mapuskar, who says the project feels as much like a calling as it does a creative challenge.

Speaking about taking on the film, Mapuskar describes the experience as both daunting and exciting. “This is an opportunity which has come my way. I feel I’m chosen to do this so I want to see what I can do with it. I like the challenges of diving into the unknown,” he tells HT.

The director is clear that artificial intelligence is not simply an extension of animation. Drawing a distinction between the two, Mapuskar explains, “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 parallelly working with you. Sometimes it may not behave exactly as you want. But it might surprise you with something you never thought of. It’s like a breathing person working with you and along with you.”

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As debates continue within the industry about AI potentially replacing human jobs, Mapuskar firmly disagrees with that fear. “No, I don’t think so it is a threat. With whatever my little experience is, AI is not going to replace human beings or reduce job opportunities. What AI is going to do is it’s going to fasten the process. It’s about how you approach AI, whether you are letting AI control you or you are controlling it. AI can help enhance conventional filmmaking. Even right now, my generative crew is not less than 200. I still need human power and collective efforts of people. AI is not going to be taking up any jobs,” he says.

The filmmaker also acknowledges learning from recent AI-driven projects, including the web series Mahabharat: Ek Dharmayudh. Reflecting on audience reactions, he notes, “When some project like this involves such an evolving technology, you have to be sensitive to the audience’s feedback because who are you making this content for? So I read all the feedback for the show and also for my teaser which came out. Those comments might give me some opening, some insight into how people saw what I have tried to create. I learn from what Mahabharat has done and how I could improve from where they were falling short. And now I’m crafting my own vision for Chiranjeevi Hanuman,” he shares.

For Mapuskar, embracing AI is no longer optional for the film industry. “We have to welcome AI and shake hands with it and not get threatened by it. We have to see how we can make it our ally to tell stories. Chiranjeevi Hanuman is my take on Hanumanji’s internal journey, AI comes later. People have asked me whether they will be looking at the best film of the first film, and for me, it will always be the latter,” he ends.

With its blend of mythology, technology and experimentation, Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal is shaping up to be a significant moment in India’s evolving cinematic landscape.