Shekhar Kapur’s Masterclass Goes Future-Forward

By Pickle November 25, 2025

With AI in the director’s chair and storytellers at the helm, the next blockbuster might just be written by anyone—or anything—with a spark of imagination.

As the sun dipped behind the palm-fringed horizon in Goa, the sixth day of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 witnessed a captivating masterclass that drew the sharpest minds from both technology and cinema. Titled “The New AI Cinema: A Discourse on Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs)”, this session lit up the festival’s calendar with fresh perspectives and visionary dialogue, led by none other than celebrated filmmaker Shekhar Kapur.

The session commenced with Ravi Kottarakara paying tribute to Shekhar Kapur, whose legendary film “Mr. India” remains an enduring symbol of innovation in Indian cinema. Kapur’s reputation as a trailblazer set the stage for a lively and thought-provoking discussion on the future of filmmaking in the age of artificial intelligence.

Kapur opened the masterclass by describing AI as “the most democratic medium for filmmaking,” signaling a dramatic shift in how films might be made. He emphasized that artificial intelligence has begun to break down long-standing barriers and gatekeeping in the industry, making filmmaking tools accessible to anyone with a story to tell. With a humorous touch, he recounted how his cook penned a script for “Mr. India 2” using ChatGPT, underlining the unprecedented empowerment AI offers to ordinary individuals.

He expressed his belief that with India’s vast and youthful population, the country is uniquely positioned to lead the world in the adoption and advancement of new film technologies. Kapur also clarified the difference between traditional VFX and modern AI, noting that while VFX manipulates visuals, AI leverages machine-learning models to automate, enhance, or even generate creative elements throughout the filmmaking process.

Tech Meets Creativity: AI’s Practical Role in Cinema

Joining Kapur on the panel were renowned technologists Shankar Ramakrishnan and V. Muralitharan, who provided audiences with a practical look at how AI is already remaking the filmmaking landscape. They demonstrated a range of AI-powered tools—from ChatGPT to Google Gemini—highlighting how these platforms assist filmmakers at every stage, from scripting and storyboarding to designing detailed shot instructions involving lighting and camera work.

The duo shared the journey of their AI-assisted film “The Turban and The Rock,” scripted by Raja Rao, offering a behind-the-scenes peek at how AI models can be woven into the creative process.

AI in Action: Film Screenings and Audience Engagement

The masterclass was punctuated by a lively Q&A, during which the panellists explored AI’s growing role in documentary filmmaking, archival restoration, and film education.

To illustrate the potential of generative AI, audiences were treated to a screening of “The Lost Legends,” a short documentary crafted with AI assistance. The demonstration left the crowd with a sense of wonder at the creative possibilities emerging from this technological revolution.

The Heart Remains Human

Yet, amidst the celebration of algorithms and automation, Shekhar Kapur struck a poignant note. He reminded the audience that the soul of cinema is, and always will be, human emotion. While artificial intelligence can assist and accelerate the filmmaking process, Kapur insisted, it is the artist’s touch that conveys real feeling and depth on screen.

As the session drew to a close, the masterclass turned reverent with a tribute to the legendary actor Dharmendra, honouring his monumental legacy and enduring influence on Indian cinema.