Rajesh Mapuskar, the Indian National Film Award-winning director behind “Ventilator” and “Ferrari Ki Sawaari,” has been tapped to helm “Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal,” billed as one of India’s first theatrical films created using generative AI technology.
The Hindi-language project, which chronicles the tale of Hindu god Lord Hanuman, is being produced by Vikram Malhotra’s Abundantia Entertainment and Collective Media Network’s Historyverse. The film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on Hanuman Jayanti, a festival celebrating the birth of the deity, in 2026.
Mapuskar brings considerable pedigree to the project, having also served as associate director on Rajkumar Hirani’s blockbusters “Munnabhai MBBS,” “Lage Raho Munnabhai” and the box office juggernaut “3 Idiots.”
The production is being supported by a team of more than 50 engineers from Galleri5, the technology division of Collective Artists Network, working alongside cultural scholars, literary experts and writers to ensure narrative authenticity.
“I am a big fan of Rajesh’s work and have seen how, across films, he has brilliantly told emotionally deep stories that have connected with movie-watchers across the board,” said Malhotra, who also serves as CEO of Abundantia Entertainment. “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.”
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 said: “Taking on a project that so fearlessly embraces innovation is both thrilling and daunting. 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.”
The project represents a significant test case for AI technology in feature filmmaking, as the industry grapples with questions about the role of artificial intelligence in creative production.
variety.com
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