Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has stirred controversy by openly criticising the makers of Chiranjeevi-Hanuman for venturing into artificial intelligence-driven cinema. The director, known for his outspoken views, lashed out at the team, saying it is a shame that filmmakers are turning to AI instead of relying on human creativity.
His comments have sparked debate within the Telugu film industry, where discussions around the future of animation and AI are becoming more frequent. Many wonder whether these technologies could truly become the backbone of Tollywood in the coming years, or whether traditional filmmaking with stars, directors and live sets will continue to dominate.
The debate comes at a time when big-budget films with leading actors and directors are still seen as the safe route by producers. However, as Anurag Kashyap pointed out, small-scale animation or AI-driven films could potentially bring huge returns with a fraction of the budget. Industry experts also note that audiences are already questioning whether certain visuals are created with AI or shot in real time, showing just how advanced the technology has become.
Globally, actors like Kamal Haasan have already invested time in learning AI technology, proving that mainstream stars are not shying away from experimentation. In Telugu cinema, directors like SS Rajamouli, Sukumar, and Chandu Mondeti have already showcased world-class VFX and could easily adapt to full-scale animation or AI projects in the future.
Prasanth Varma, with his blockbuster Hanuman, is seen as a frontrunner in this space, having delivered striking visuals on a limited budget. Other directors like Maruthi and Vasishta are also being tipped as names to watch out for in this evolving trend.
While some celebrate this as the natural progression of cinema, Kashyap’s scathing words remind the industry of a larger debate, should storytelling remain rooted in human artistry, or is the shift towards AI and animation inevitable?
