By - Amit kumaR Agarwal
56th International Film Festival of India, after getting off to a flying start is going strong!
The sixth day of IFFI 2025 featured a thought-provoking masterclass titled “The New AI Cinema: A Discourse on Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs)”, bringing together eminent voices from technology and cinema to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-driven filmmaking.
Internationally acclaimed filmmaker, Shekhar Kapur led the panel that also had, techie Shankar Ramakrishnan and AI expert V. Muralitharan.
The session began with Ravi Kottarakara honouring Shekhar Kapur’s pioneering contributions to Indian cinema. He highlighted Kapur’s visionary approach to storytelling and filmmaking, with special mention of the film “Mr. India”, celebrated even today for its technical innovation and enduring cultural impact.
- AI: The Most Democratic Medium in Film Production
Initiating the discourse, Shekhar Kapur noted that the world has undergone a profound shift with the rise of artificial intelligence. He described AI as “the most democratic medium for filmmaking”, emphasising that it has dismantled traditional barriers and gatekeeping within the industry.
In an engaging anecdote, he shared how his cook created a script for Mr. India 2 using ChatGPT, illustrating the accessibility and empowerment AI tools bring to ordinary individuals.
He stated that AI is poised to redefine global cinema, offering unprecedented creative freedom. Noting India’s status as the nation with the world’s largest young population, he expressed confidence that this demographic strength will accelerate India’s leadership in the future of film technologies.
During the session, Kapur also explained the distinction between VFX and AI, clarifying that VFX involves creating or manipulating visuals digitally, whereas AI uses machine-learning models to automate, enhance, or generate elements of the filmmaking process.
- Technologists Demonstrate AI’s Practical Applications in Filmmaking
Technologists, Shankar Ramakrishnan and V. Muralitharan elaborated on the wide range of AI tools—such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini—that assist filmmakers in scripting, storyboarding, and designing shot descriptions, including lighting and camera requirements.
The duo showcased their AI-assisted film “The Turban and The Rock”, written by Raja Rao, explaining how various AI platforms and models were integrated into its creation.
- Audience Interaction and Demonstration of AI-Made Films
During the Q&A session, the panelists highlighted how AI can significantly support documentary filmmaking, archival restoration, and film education. They also screened an AI-generated short documentary titled “The Lost Legends”, offering audiences a glimpse into the capabilities of emerging creative technologies.
- Human Emotion at the Core of Cinema
Despite the rapid advancement of AI, Shekhar Kapur underlined that cinema’s essence lies in human emotion. He remarked that while AI can assist and accelerate processes, real artists remain essential for conveying genuine feeling and depth on screen.
- Tribute to Dharmendra
The masterclass concluded with a heartfelt tribute to legendary actor Dharmendra, honouring his immense contribution to Indian cinema.