IFFI Masterclass Explores Rise of New AI Cinema and Future of Filmmaking
The sixth day of the International Film Festival of India 2025 hosted a compelling masterclass titled The New AI Cinema A Discourse on Generative AI and Large Language Models, bringing together leading voices from technology and cinema to analyse how artificial intelligence is reshaping global filmmaking.
The session featured technologist Shankar Ramakrishnan, AI specialist V Muralitharan, and internationally acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, who engaged in a deep and wide-ranging discussion on the creative and ethical transformations emerging from AI’s rapid rise.
Shekhar Kapur Calls AI a New Democratic Force in Cinema
Opening the dialogue, Shekhar Kapur described artificial intelligence as “the most democratic medium for filmmaking”, arguing that it has broken long-standing barriers to entry. He noted that AI now enables individuals with no formal training to write scripts, generate visual material, and develop story ideas.
He illustrated this shift with a striking anecdote, sharing that his own cook drafted a script for Mr India 2 using ChatGPT. Kapur emphasised that such moments show the scale of empowerment AI is bringing to ordinary people and predicted that India’s vast young population positions the country to lead future global filmmaking technologies.
He also clarified a common misconception by differentiating VFX from AI: while VFX enhances or alters visuals digitally, AI uses machine learning models to automate or generate various parts of the filmmaking process.
Technologists Demonstrate AI Tools for Scriptwriting and Production
Shankar Ramakrishnan and V Muralitharan demonstrated a range of AI platforms—such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini—that now assist directors and writers in scripting, storyboarding, and producing detailed shot breakdowns including lighting, framing, and camera configuration.
The technologists also presented their AI-assisted film The Turban and The Rock, based on the writing of Raja Rao, explaining how multiple AI tools were integrated at different stages of production.
AI-Generated Films and Documentary Support Highlight Progress
During an interactive Q and A, the panellists explained how AI is proving especially valuable in documentary filmmaking, heritage restoration, and film education. The audience viewed an AI-generated short documentary titled The Lost Legends, offering a direct glimpse into the creative possibilities of emerging generative tools.
Human Emotion Remains the Bedrock of Cinema
Despite the accelerating adoption of AI, Shekhar Kapur underscored that lasting cinema is built on human emotion, intuition, and lived experience. He reiterated that artificial intelligence, while powerful, cannot substitute the emotional depth and interpretive abilities of real artists.
Tribute to Dharmendra Closes the Session
The masterclass concluded with a tribute to beloved actor Dharmendra, honouring his enduring impact on Indian cinema.
Founded in 1952, the International Film Festival of India is South Asia’s longest-running and largest film festival. Jointly organised by the National Film Development Corporation, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Entertainment Society of Goa, IFFI blends restored classics, global premieres, cultural showcases, masterclasses, and the dynamic Waves Film Bazaar. The 56th edition, held in Goa from 20 to 28 November 2025, continues to amplify India’s creative voice on the world stage.