#IFFIWood, 25 November 2025

The sixth day of the International Film Festival of India (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.

The panel comprised noted technologist Shri Shankar Ramakrishnan, AI expert Shri V. Muralitharan, and internationally acclaimed filmmaker Shri Shekhar Kapur.

The session began with Shri 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, Shri 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, Shri 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 Shri Shankar Ramakrishnan and Shri 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 interactive Q&A session, the panellists 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, Shri 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.

About IFFI

Born in 1952, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) stands tall as South Asia’s oldest and largest celebration of cinema. Jointly hosted by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), State Government of Goa, the festival has grown into a global cinematic powerhouse—where restored classics meet bold experiments, and legendary maestros share space with fearless first-timers. What makes IFFI truly sparkle is its electric mix—international competitions, cultural showcases, masterclasses, tributes, and the high-energy WAVES Film Bazaar, where ideas, deals and collaborations take flight. Staged against Goa’s stunning coastal backdrop from November 20–28, the 56th edition promises a dazzling spectrum of languages, genres, innovations, and voices—an immersive celebration of India’s creative brilliance on the world stage.

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PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW | Ritu Shukla/Nikita Joshi/Robin Singh/Darshana Rane | IFFI 56 - 071