Movies
Indian cinema turns to artificial intelligence for epic Hanuman film
MUMBAI: Indian cinema is preparing to push the boundaries of filmmaking with what producers claim will be India’s first theatrically released motion picture created entirely using artificial intelligence (AI), centred on the Hindu deity Hanuman.
Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal, scheduled for worldwide release on Hanuman Jayanti in 2026, represents an ambitious fusion of ancient mythology and cutting-edge technology that could reshape how religious epics are brought to the screen.
Abundantia Entertainment, the production house behind hits including Airlift and Ram Setu, is partnering with Collective Media Network’s Historyverse division on the project, which draws from the Ramayana and Puranic texts to create what they describe as a “visual odyssey.”
The film is being developed by more than 50 engineers from Galleri5, the technology arm of Collective Artists Network, working alongside cultural scholars and literary experts to ensure narrative authenticity. Even the soundtrack will break new ground, composed by Trilok, billed as the world’s first AI-powered band that blends Indian spiritual traditions with contemporary sound.
“We constantly push boundaries of storytelling possibilities, and I am delighted that we are partnering with Vijay and his amazing team at Collective to harness cutting-edge tech and tools to tell one of India’s most iconic stories,” said Abundantia Entertainment founder & CEO Vikram Malhotra.
The project reflects growing confidence in AI’s creative potential within India’s entertainment industry, which has traditionally relied on star power and elaborate song-and-dance sequences to draw audiences. By choosing Hanuman—revered by hundreds of millions as a symbol of devotion, strength and faith—the producers are making a bold statement about technology’s role in preserving and reinterpreting cultural heritage.
Collective Artists Network founder & chief executive Vijay Subramaniam emphasised the company’s commitment to “authenticity and cultural stewardship”, promising “complete transparency about the role of AI in the creative process.” This approach addresses potential concerns from religious groups about technological interpretation of sacred stories.
The timing is significant, as India’s film industry grapples with rising production costs and increasing competition from streaming platforms. AI-generated content could potentially reduce expenses while enabling more spectacular visual effects than traditional methods allow.
Abundantia, founded in 2013 by former Viacom18 Motion Pictures chief operating officer Malhotra, has built its reputation on “uniquely Indian stories”, from the patriotic thriller Airlift to the biographical drama Shakuntala Devi. The company’s upcoming slate includes Subedaar starring Anil Kapoor and collaborations with acclaimed directors including Hansal Mehta.
Collective Artists Network has expanded rapidly through acquisitions including Under 25 Universe and Terribly Tiny Tales, positioning itself at what Subramaniam calls the convergence of “culture, creators, and technology”. The company operates Big Bang Social, a platform for brand-creator collaborations, and has launched Collective Media Network to broaden its content reach.
The Hanuman project represents more than technological experimentation—it’s a test of whether Indian audiences will embrace AI-generated storytelling for their most cherished cultural narratives. Success could open the floodgates for similar projects, while failure might reinforce traditional approaches to mythological cinema.
The 2026 release date on Hanuman Jayanti, the festival celebrating the deity’s birth, suggests producers are confident in their ability to create something worthy of such a significant cultural moment. Whether audiences agree will determine if this marks the beginning of a new era in Indian filmmaking or merely an expensive experiment.
Hindi
Zee5 and Applause Entertainment team up for whodunnit ‘Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa’
Rajat Kapoor directs star-studded murder mystery streaming from 10 April.
MUMBAI: Zee5 is serving up another killer collaboration and this time, the murder mystery comes with a generous side of dark humour and family dysfunction. The streaming platform has partnered with Applause Entertainment and Mithya Talkies to bring Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa, a fresh, twisted whodunnit written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker and actor Rajat Kapoor. The film will stream exclusively on Hindi Zee5 from 10 April.
The movie reimagines the classic murder mystery genre with a contemporary, darkly comic edge. It revolves around a group of friends and family who smile, drink, and celebrate together until the silence snaps and long-buried secrets spill out. The stellar ensemble cast includes Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, Waluscha De Sousa, Saurabh Shukla, Chandrachoor Rai, Neil Bhoopalam, Koel Purie, Palomi Ghosh, and Rajat Kapoor himself.
This latest offering continues the successful partnership between Zee5 and Applause Entertainment, which has previously delivered diverse hits such as Mithya, Bloody Brothers, and Jab Khuli Kitaab.
&TV Business Head of hindi Zee5 and chief channel officer Kaveri Das said, “Our collaboration with Applause Entertainment has consistently delivered distinct, high-impact storytelling. Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa is a natural progression, reinforcing our focus on genre-led content with a compelling whodunnit premise and a strong ensemble cast.”
Applause Entertainment business head for movies Sunil Chainani added, “This film adds yet another compelling layer to our slate with Rajat Kapoor’s unmistakable voice.”
Rajat Kapoor shared, “What interested me was not just the mechanics of a whodunnit, but the emotional violence that precedes physical violence. These are people who smile at each other, but there’s so much that is not said.”
The film promises razor-sharp writing, layered performances, and simmering tension, inviting viewers not just to solve the crime but to unravel the complex relationships at its heart.
If you love a good murder mystery served with wit and emotional depth, Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa looks set to be your next addictive watch. Mark your calendars, the whodunnit drops on Hindi Zee5 from 10 April.
