Award-winning director to create AI-powered Hanuman film for 2026 release

National Film Award-winning director Rajesh Mapuskar has been hired to direct “Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal,” which is being promoted as one of India’s first theatrical films created using generative AI technology. The Hindi-language project about Hindu deity Lord Hanuman will be produced by Abundantia Entertainment and Collective Media Network’s Historyverse, with a worldwide theatrical release planned for Hanuman Jayanti in 2026, making it a significant test case for AI’s role in feature filmmaking.

What you should know: The film represents a major experiment in AI-driven filmmaking backed by substantial technical resources and industry expertise.

• More than 50 engineers from Galleri5, the technology division of Collective Artists Network, are supporting the production alongside cultural scholars, literary experts and writers to ensure narrative authenticity.
• Mapuskar brings considerable credentials to the project, having directed “Ventilator” and “Ferrari Ki Sawaari” and served as associate director on blockbusters including “3 Idiots,” “Munnabhai MBBS” and “Lage Raho Munnabhai.”

Why this matters: The project could establish a new precedent for how AI technology integrates with traditional filmmaking, particularly for culturally significant stories.

• The film aims to honor India’s spiritual heritage while pioneering future filmmaking techniques, potentially influencing how other productions approach AI integration.
• The timing coincides with broader industry discussions about artificial intelligence’s appropriate role in creative production processes.

What they’re saying: Industry leaders express excitement about the project’s innovative approach and cultural significance.

• “Rajesh’s cinematic craft, his deep understanding of the story and curiosity to explore new creative paradigms make him the perfect choice to lead a film of this disruptive nature,” said Vikram Malhotra, CEO of Abundantia Entertainment.
• Vijay Subramaniam, founder and group CEO of Collective Artists Network, added: “This project is about redefining how stories from our cultural legacy are told and experienced. We’re excited to push the boundaries of creativity and technology and present a version of Hanuman’s story that resonates across generations and geographies.”
• Mapuskar described the opportunity as “both thrilling and daunting,” noting that “the story of Lord Hanuman is timeless, filled with strength, devotion, and purpose and it is a rare opportunity to steer a film that both honors India’s spiritual heritage and pioneers the future of filmmaking.”