In a bold fusion of ancient lore and futuristic innovation, National Award-winning filmmaker Rajesh Mapuskar has been announced as the director of *Chiranjeevi Hanuman - The Eternal*, poised to be India's first AI-powered theatrical feature film. The project, drawing from the sacred epic of the Ramayana and revered Puranic texts, aims to reimagine the timeless tale of Lord Hanuman—symbolizing eternal faith, devotion, and strength—for global audiences. Produced by Vikram Malhotra's Abundantia Entertainment in collaboration with Collective Media Network's Historyverse, the film is slated for a worldwide release on Hanuman Jayanti in 2026, marking a significant milestone in Indian cinema's embrace of generative AI technology.

Mapuskar, celebrated for his National Award-winning Marathi film *Ventilator* (2016) and his contributions as associate director on Rajkumar Hirani's iconic *Munnabhai MBBS*, *Lage Raho Munnabhai*, and *3 Idiots*, expressed profound excitement about the venture. "Taking on a project that so fearlessly embraces innovation is both thrilling and daunting," he stated. "I love exploring various genres in cinema, and to tell a story using progressive technology like generative AI is very exciting for me. The story of Lord Hanuman is timeless... and it is a rare opportunity to steer a film that both honours India's spiritual heritage and pioneers the future of filmmaking." He further highlighted his eagerness to collaborate with producers Vikram Malhotra and Vijay Subramaniam, alongside a talented team of writers and researchers crafting a narrative with universal appeal.

The film's production underscores a meticulous balance between technological prowess and cultural fidelity, powered by over 50 engineers from Galleri5—the tech arm of Collective Artists Network. This team works in tandem with cultural scholars, literary experts, and writers to ensure narrative authenticity while leveraging AI to push creative boundaries. As one of India's first Hindi theatrical AI films, it represents a "first-of-its-kind, made-in-India spectacle," blending traditional storytelling with tools that could redefine how mythological epics are visualized and experienced across generations and geographies.

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Vikram Malhotra, CEO of Abundantia Entertainment, lauded Mapuskar's selection, noting his track record in crafting emotionally resonant stories. "Bringing Rajesh Mapuskar on board marks a major step in fulfilling our vision... Rajesh's cinematic craft, his deep understanding of the story, and his curiosity to explore new creative paradigms make him the perfect choice to lead a film of this disruptive nature," Malhotra said. "This film is not just about AI; it's about how we can use emerging tools to elevate stories that are timeless." Vijay Subramaniam, founder and group CEO of Collective Artists Network, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the project's goal to "redefine how stories from India's cultural legacy are told and experienced."

The announcement arrives amid a polarized industry discourse on AI's role in filmmaking, following earlier debates sparked by the film's initial reveal in August 2025. Prominent directors like Vikramaditya Motwane and Anurag Kashyap have voiced reservations, with Motwane lamenting "So it begins" on social media, while actor Ranveer Singh's ambiguous reaction drew mixed fan responses. Despite the controversy, proponents argue that *Chiranjeevi Hanuman - The Eternal* heralds an egalitarian era for cinema, making advanced storytelling accessible while honoring sacred narratives. As production ramps up, the film promises to ignite conversations on innovation, ethics, and the enduring power of Indian mythology on the silver screen.

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