Shekhar Kapur Discusses The Impact Of AI-Generated Performers On Bollywood's Future

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has ignited a new discussion in the film industry about the swift rise of AI-generated performers and their growing role in global entertainment. He pointed out that virtual personalities are being signed by major agencies and will soon appear in OTT projects. This shift could notably affect action-heavy and large-scale productions.

On Monday, Shekhar Kapur shared his thoughts on Instagram, acknowledging AI's impressive progress but noting its inability to capture the emotional depth of seasoned actors. He raised questions about Bollywood's adaptation to this changing landscape. Sharing an image of Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated character, he wrote about her upcoming presence in an OTT series.

AI's Impact on Bollywood

Kapur highlighted that traditional Hollywood agencies are eager to sign Tilly Norwood, causing concern within the acting community. He questioned Bollywood's future, suggesting that stars' exclusivity might push filmmakers towards AI alternatives. He noted that many social media influencers today are not human but AI-created.

He remarked, "Most of the world has heard of Tilly Norwood. Here she is at the premier of her first film. Except that Tilly is completely AI created. In a year you will see her in a new OTT series. Traditional Hollywood Agencies are vying to sign her. And of course there is a lot of angst in the Acting Community .. as you would expect. So, what is going to happen to Bollywood?"

The Role of Stars and AI

Kapur continued by stating that stars' exclusivity could lead filmmakers to seek AI alternatives. He mentioned his sequel to "Masoom," noting that AI cannot yet replicate the complex expressions of actors like Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah.

He added, "That depends a lot on stars themselves. The more expensive and exclusive they make themselves, the more the film makers will look for AI alternatives. BTW many of the 'Influencers' you see on your social media today are not human .. they are AI created .. So what is the reality? I am making my sequel to Masoom now .. but AI cannot capture the complexity of expressions of Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah. Not yet anyway."

AI's First Targets: Action Films and Dance Sequences

Kapur observed that action films with limited expressions like fear or aggression could be early targets for AI integration due to their focus on costumes rather than actors' performances. He noted how easy it is to create scale with AI technology.

He stated, "Yet when we see (say) a Marvel or a Bollywood action film the expressions are rather limited .. fear, aggression. Sexy dance, anger etc .. and the accent is much on costumes.. you can, for example, change the actor, but cannot change Batman or Superman's costume .. right ? So that's AI first target .. action films .. and dance sequences and scale ! Yes .. it's so easy to create scale with AI ! Forget what you just saw saw on AI ..Mahabharat .. that's just first generation."

Kapur concluded by comparing current advancements in AI technology to early internet days, expressing amazement at recent developments he has witnessed.

He concluded with excitement about future possibilities: "It's like the 'dial up' Internet days.. some of the stuff I am seeing now is ..pardon the expression.. Mind Blowing .. thoughts?." (sic)