India’s cinematic landscape is witnessing a defining moment as National Award-winning director Rajesh Mapuskar announces Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal, the country’s first fully AI-generated theatrical film. Scheduled for release on Hanuman Jayanti this year, the project blends mythology with cutting-edge technology while keeping emotional depth at its core.
Calling the film a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Mapuskar says the idea of stepping into uncharted territory excited him. For the filmmaker, the challenge was not about showcasing technology but about exploring faith, belief, and the internal journey of Hanuman through a modern lens. He believes creative risks are essential to push storytelling forward at a time when cinema is evolving rapidly.
Animation Versus AI: A New Creative Partner
Explaining the difference between animation and AI, Mapuskar highlights control as the key distinction. In traditional animation, every muscle movement is carefully planned. AI, however, behaves like a parallel brain working alongside the creator. It responds, adapts, and sometimes surprises with outcomes the filmmaker never imagined. This unpredictability, he says, makes AI feel like a breathing collaborator rather than a mechanical tool in Chiranjeevi Hanuman.
Why AI Is Not a Threat to Jobs
Amid growing concerns that artificial intelligence could replace human jobs, Mapuskar strongly disagrees. He believes AI only accelerates processes and does not replace creativity. Despite AI being central to the project, the film employs a generative crew of nearly 200 people. Human vision, teamwork, and emotional intelligence remain irreplaceable. According to him, AI enhances conventional filmmaking rather than eliminating opportunities, a philosophy reflected in Chiranjeevi Hanuman.
Learning From Audience Feedback
The recent AI web series Mahabharat: Ek Dharmayudh also offered valuable lessons. Mapuskar closely studied audience reactions to understand what worked and where improvements were needed. He believes creators must remain sensitive when working with evolving technology, especially while retelling culturally significant stories. Those insights helped him refine his vision and shape Chiranjeevi Hanuman more thoughtfully.
Story Comes Before Technology
Asserting that AI is the future of filmmaking, Mapuskar urges the industry to embrace it rather than fear it. For him, AI is only a medium. The heart of the film lies in Hanuman’s inner journey, devotion, and resilience. He hopes audiences judge the film not as a technological experiment but as a meaningful cinematic experience rooted in storytelling.
FAQs
Q: What makes Chiranjeevi Hanuman special in Indian cinema?
A: Chiranjeevi Hanuman is India’s first fully AI-generated theatrical release, combining mythology with artificial intelligence.
Q: Will AI replace filmmakers in projects like Chiranjeevi Hanuman?
A: No, director Rajesh Mapuskar believes AI only speeds up processes while humans remain central to creativity.
Q: When is Chiranjeevi Hanuman releasing in theatres?
A: The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on Hanuman Jayanti this year.
Q: Is the focus of the film technology or storytelling?
A: The core focus is Hanuman’s internal journey, with AI acting only as a supporting tool.
