AI is rewiring the world’s most prolific film industry

India’s film industry is rapidly embracing artificial intelligence to cut costs, accelerate production and expand into new markets, even as concerns persist over creativity and audience acceptance.
In Bengaluru, talent agency Collective Artists Network is using AI tools at its Galleri5 studio to produce films based on Hindu mythology, including adaptations of the 'Ramayana' and 'Mahabharat'. Traditional film sets filled with cameras and crews are increasingly replaced by coding floors, motion-capture suits and AI-generated characters.
India, the world’s most prolific film producer, is turning to AI as shifting audience habits and the rise of streaming platforms put pressure on revenues. Cinema attendance fell to 832 million in 2025 from 1.03 billion in 2019, according to Ormax Media, even as box-office earnings hit a record $1.4 billion last year.
Studios are deploying AI at scale — producing fully AI-generated films, dubbing content into multiple languages and even altering older movies to boost sales. Industry figures say AI can reduce production costs to one-fifth and cut timelines to a quarter for genres such as mythology and fantasy.
The approach contrasts with Hollywood, where union agreements restrict the use of AI. In India, studios are pushing ahead with aggressive experimentation. Eros Media World, for example, re-released its 2013 film 'Raanjhanaa' with an AI-altered ending, replacing its tragic conclusion with a happier one. While the move drew criticism from lead actor Dhanush, it still attracted audiences and ticket sales.
AI dubbing is emerging as a more widely accepted application. With 22 official languages and hundreds of dialects, dubbing is essential for nationwide reach. Startups like NeuralGarage use AI to synchronise lip movements with translated audio, improving realism and accessibility.
Global technology companies are also investing in the shift. Google, Microsoft and Nvidia are partnering with Indian studios to develop AI-driven filmmaking tools and infrastructure.
Despite rapid adoption, audience response remains mixed, with criticism over visual quality and authenticity. Still, the economic benefits are compelling, positioning India at the forefront of AI-driven filmmaking transformation. — Reuters