AI Overload in Indian Cinema: When Technology Meets Mythology, Magic Goes Missing

The Indian film industry's romance with artificial intelligence has reached a concerning tipping point, and nowhere is this more evident than in the treatment of our most sacred storytelling traditions: mythology.

The latest entrant into this crowded space is the Hindi film Dronacharya, slated for June 2026 release. Backed by Vibhu Agarwal and Kanhiya Mittal under Bharat NextGen Digital, the project promises to deliver a "technologically advanced retelling" of the legendary guru's story. The recently dropped trailer showcases the film's AI-driven approach, though the reception has been decidedly mixed.

What's troubling isn't just one film's creative choices: it's the industry-wide trend that's emerging. Bollywood seems particularly smitten with AI-backed projects, with new announcements dropping regularly. But when it comes to mythology, this technological dependency is proving to be a double-edged sword.

The core issue lies in what mythology demands versus what AI delivers. These timeless stories have survived millennia because they speak to the human condition: love, betrayal, sacrifice, redemption. They require nuanced emotional performances and authentic cultural understanding. AI, for all its visual wizardry, struggles with this emotional depth.

The backlash isn't limited to Hindi cinema either. A recent South Indian franchise film faced similar criticism when its latest glimpse heavily featured AI-generated content. Fans who had been eagerly awaiting the project found the presentation awkward and artificial, creating negative buzz that could impact the film's eventual reception.

This isn't to dismiss AI entirely: when used as a tool rather than a crutch, it can genuinely enhance filmmaking. The problem arises when technology becomes the star instead of serving the story. Mythology films particularly suffer from this approach because audiences come to these projects seeking emotional connection with familiar characters and stories.

The industry needs to recognize that while AI can create spectacular visuals, it cannot replicate the soul that great mythological cinema requires. Until filmmakers find this balance, we risk turning our most cherished stories into hollow spectacles.