In a fiery and impassioned statement, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has publicly condemned the upcoming film “Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal,” which is being promoted as India’s first “Made-in-AI” theatrical release. Taking to social media, Kashyap launched a scathing attack on Vijay Subramaniam, the head of Collective Artists Network and a producer on the film, for what he called a betrayal of artists. The film is a collaboration between Abundantia Entertainment and Collective Artists Network.
A Bold Announcement, A Fierce Backlash
The controversy erupted after Abundantia Entertainment and Collective Media Network’s Historyverse announced their ambitious AI-generated project. The film, which is based on the life of Lord Hanuman, is set to be released on Hanuman Jayanti in 2026. The makers have stated that a team of over 50 engineers is working on the project, using artificial intelligence to tell the ancient story in a “never-before-seen” manner.
However, the announcement was met with immediate criticism from prominent voices in the film industry. Filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane was one of the first to react, posting on his Instagram story, “And so it begins. Who TF needs writers and directors when it’s ‘Made in AI’?” But it was Anurag Kashyap’s strong words that truly ignited the debate.
“Shame is not enough on you. You should be in the gutter.”
In a long and sharply worded post, Anurag Kashyap singled out Vijay Subramaniam. Kashyap pointed out the irony of Subramaniam, who heads a talent agency that represents writers, directors, and actors, now producing a film that uses technology to bypass these very artists.
Anurag Kashyap wrote, “Congratulations @vijaysubramaniam84. Here is the man heading the @lifeatcollectiveartistsnetwork that represents artists, writer, directors, now producing a film made by AI. So much for looking after and representing the interests of creators.”
He went on to state that talent agencies are “only interested in making money” and that turning to AI proves they believe artists are no match for technology. He concluded his post with a blistering attack on Subramaniam, writing, “This right here is the future for the spineless and cowardly so called artists in the Hindi Film industry. Well done Vijay Subramaniam. Shame is not enough on you. You should be in the gutter.”
A Broader Debate on AI and Filmmaking
The use of AI in filmmaking has become a contentious topic globally, with artists and creators fearing that the technology could lead to job displacement and devalue human creativity. Recently, the makers of the film Raanjhanaa also came under fire for using AI to create an alternate, “happy” ending for the film, a move that was condemned by the film’s director, Aanand L Rai.
While some argue that AI is a tool that can aid filmmakers in creating new and innovative visual experiences, others, like Kashyap, see it as a threat to the soul of filmmaking. Vijay Subramaniam, in a statement, has defended the project, saying, “Our approach is rooted in authenticity and cultural stewardship, ensuring complete transparency about the role of AI in the creative process.”
However, Kashyap’s anger seems to stem from a deeper sense of betrayal, as he views Subramaniam’s move as a direct affront to the creative community he is supposed to represent. The public spat has brought to the forefront the ethical and moral dilemmas facing the industry as it grapples with the rapid advancement of technology.
This high-profile public spat is a clear signal that the debate over AI’s role in the creative industries is just getting started, and its outcome could shape the future of Bollywood.
