How AI is Changing Filmmaking: The Vishwamitra Case Study

How AI is Changing Filmmaking: The Vishwamitra Case Study The world of cinema has always thrived on disruption — from the arrival of sound to the leap into CGI and now, artificial intelligence (AI). Today, AI is not just a buzzword but a real creative tool, rewriting how stories are conceived, produced, and experienced. But while many AI-generated films focus on the novelty of the technology, very few manage to capture the human essence of storytelling. This is where my film Vishwamitra stands apart. AI in Filmmaking: Beyond the Hype Over the past few years, we’ve seen a surge of AI experiments in filmmaking. Short films, trailers, and concept projects have emerged where algorithms generate scenes, dialogues, and even animations. These works often amaze with their technical wizardry but fall short of one crucial element — emotion. Storytelling is not just about images stitched together by machines; it is about connecting deeply with the audience’s heart. Shekhar Kapur, one of India’s most visionary filmmakers, has also spoken about this evolution. With his AI-driven project Warlord, he is pushing the boundaries of how stories can be generated and visualized. Yet, even he acknowledges the big question: can AI truly understand human feelings? The Unique Journey of Vishwamitra This question was at the heart of Vishwamitra, my AI-powered film. Instead of using AI merely as a flashy gimmick, I wanted it to be a creative partner in evoking timeless emotions. Vishwamitra tells the story of a sage’s struggle, transformation, and ultimate pursuit of truth. The AI tools helped accelerate character design, backgrounds, and scene generation, but the real magic lay in weaving these elements into a narrative that spoke to the soul. Unlike many AI films that feel mechanical, Vishwamitra was deliberately crafted to make the viewer feel — to empathize with the sage’s journey, to reflect on his dilemmas, and to resonate with the universal themes of sacrifice and aspiration. The uniqueness of this project was not the AI itself, but how AI was guided to serve the art of storytelling. Music and Poetry — An AI Ode One of the most surprising aspects of the project was music. Not only did AI assist in visual creation, but it also helped compose a song — an ode that beautifully complements the story. This song, generated through AI models trained in lyrical flow and melodic patterns, was not just an add-on. It became a bridge between the ancient tale and modern audiences, showcasing how technology can enhance tradition. By including this AI-generated ode, Vishwamitra became more than just a movie; it turned into an experiment in how art, storytelling, and technology can converge. This is something missing in most AI films today, where songs or dialogue often sound hollow. Here, the ode added depth and emotional texture — proving that AI can be a poetic collaborator, not just a mechanical assistant. Where Others Fall Short AI-generated movies elsewhere, though impressive, often struggle to balance technology with narrative. For instance, while experimental shorts in Hollywood demonstrate realistic visuals, they rarely leave audiences emotionally stirred. The missing ingredient is empathy. Vishwamitra proved that AI, when guided with intention, can indeed create stories that bind people together through emotion. This is where the project’s uniqueness lies. It wasn’t about showing that AI can make a film — we already know that. It was about showing that AI, when intertwined with human creativity, can make a film that feels alive. The Future of AI Storytelling Looking ahead, AI will undoubtedly reshape filmmaking — from reducing costs and timelines to making tools accessible to independent creators. But the real question remains: will these films resonate? My belief, reinforced by the journey of Vishwamitra, is that AI will not replace human creativity. Instead, it will amplify it. Storytellers who can harness AI while keeping emotions at the core will create films that endure. Cinema, after all, is about people. It is about what we feel when the lights dim, and the story unfolds. And if Vishwamitra is any indication, AI can be part of that journey — as long as we never forget that emotions are the thread that binds us together.