Shekhar Kapur says AI could put blockbuster-scale filmmaking within everyone’s reach

Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has shared his thoughts on the rapidly expanding role of artificial intelligence in cinema

Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has shared his thoughts on the rapidly expanding role of artificial intelligence in cinema, suggesting that AI could fundamentally change the way movies are produced. According to the acclaimed director, advances in AI-powered filmmaking tools could eventually make large-scale productions accessible to ordinary people with nothing more than a desktop computer.

Kapur explained that the traditional financial and logistical barriers associated with filmmaking are beginning to change. He argued that technology is making it possible to create visuals on a scale that was previously limited to major studios with enormous budgets.

Kapur suggested that films featuring blockbuster-level visuals, comparable to the scale seen in movies such as *Avatar*, could potentially be produced at a fraction of the traditional cost. He believes this development could have a major impact on the economics of the film industry, changing how movies are financed, produced, marketed and ultimately presented to audiences around the world.

However, Kapur stressed that the significance of AI goes beyond simply making filmmaking cheaper. He described himself as a strong supporter of artificial intelligence and encouraged young people to explore the technology rather than fear it. In his view, AI can provide aspiring filmmakers with powerful tools that allow them to turn creative ideas into stories without depending entirely on established studios or production companies.

The director also believes that the younger generation could eventually produce films that are more innovative and imaginative than those made by many established filmmakers today. He argued that the huge number of young people gaining access to filmmaking technology increases the possibility of discovering exceptional creative talent.

Kapur described this as almost a statistical certainty. With millions of young people now able to experiment with digital filmmaking tools, he believes that thousands of them could develop ideas and creative approaches that challenge or surpass existing cinematic conventions.

Despite his enthusiasm for artificial intelligence, Kapur has maintained that technology alone cannot create meaningful cinema. He has previously emphasised the importance of human intuition, creativity and innovation in storytelling. While AI can provide new tools and possibilities, he believes the emotional and instinctive elements that make stories compelling remain deeply connected to human creativity.

Kapur also pointed out how dramatically the opportunities for aspiring filmmakers have changed. In the past, people wanting to make films often had to overcome numerous obstacles, including finding financial backing, securing professional equipment, assembling production teams and gaining access to studios and distributors. Today, he believes many of these barriers are gradually disappearing as filmmaking technology becomes more affordable and widely available.

He suggested that young filmmakers no longer have to wait for someone in the traditional industry to give them an opportunity. With powerful creative tools increasingly available through computers and other devices, they can create their own work and potentially share it with audiences worldwide.

Kapur’s own career reflects an international approach to cinema. He achieved global recognition with the Oscar-nominated film Elizabeth and has worked across different filmmaking cultures throughout his career.

His international work also includes the 2022 romantic comedy What’s Love Got to Do with It?, which marked Pakistani actor Sajal Aly’s international film debut. Set between London and Lahore, the movie featured Aly alongside Lily James, Shazad Latif, Emma Thompson and Shabana Azmi. The story follows a documentary filmmaker who records her best friend’s arranged marriage to a Pakistani bride.

Kapur has previously praised Aly’s performance, noting that she came highly recommended and commending her ability to combine innocence and maturity in her portrayal.

As AI continues to reshape the entertainment industry, Kapur’s comments highlight the possibility of a future where filmmaking becomes more accessible, affordable and creatively diverse than ever before.