Plans for the AI-created film Chiranjeevi Hanuman—The Eternal, set for release on Hanuman Jayanti 2026, sparked criticism from Anurag Kashyap. He condemned producer Vijay Subramaniam for supporting AI-driven films while heading an artists’ agency. Vikramaditya Motwane also voiced concerns. Vijay defended the project’s cultural storytelling approach.
On Tuesday, plans were revealed for an AI-created film titled Chiranjeevi Hanuman—The Eternal, inspired by the legend of Lord Hanuman. Promoted as a ‘Made-in-AI’ and ‘Made in India’ project, it is scheduled to release on Hanuman Jayanti 2026. Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap criticized producer Vijay Subramaniam for backing an AI-driven film while heading an artists’ agency.Kashyap calls out Vijay Subramaniam on social mediaAnurag recently shared a screenshot of the announcement poster, prominently featuring Vijay’s name. He criticized Vijay for leading the Collective Artists Network while supporting an AI-generated film. Anurag wrote, “Congratulations @vijaysubramaniam84. Here is the man heading the @lifeatcollectiveartistsnetwork that represents artists, writer, directors, now producing a film made by AI. So much for looking after and representing the interests of creators.”Accusations of profit-driven agenciesHe accused agencies of being solely driven by profit, stating, “End of the day, all these agencies are only interested in making money off you and since they choose turkeys after turkeys for you and you’re not making enough for them, they are going all AI. Any actor or anyone who calls themselves artists and has a spine will be and should be either questioning him or leaving the agency since he has proved that he thinks you’re no match for his AI performance. ”Harsh criticism and condemnationKashyap expressed harsh criticism towards Vijay, saying he “should be in the gutter,” and condemned this as the path embraced by the ‘spineless’ in Bollywood. He concluded his statement with, “This right here is the future for the spineless and cowardly so called artists in the Hindi Film industry. Well done Vijay Subramaniam. Shame is not enough on you. You should be in the gutter.”Vikramaditya Motwane voices concernFollowing the announcement, Vikramaditya Motwane reposted it on his Instagram stories, expressing his concern with the words, “And so it begins… Who TF needs writers and directors when its ‘Made in AI’.”Vijay Subramaniam defends the projectVijay Subramaniam, Founder and Group CEO of Collective Artists Network, stated in a press release, “With this film, we have the extraordinary opportunity to reimagine cultural storytelling for an audience that cherishes both tradition and innovation. Our approach is rooted in authenticity and cultural stewardship, ensuring complete transparency about the role of AI in the creative process.”
