Four AI-enabled short films were unveiled at the IICT Theater in Mumbai as part of the Create with AI programme, a collaboration between the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) and YouTube aimed at exploring the use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking.
The creators also simultaneously released these films on their respective YouTube channels. Covering themes such as history, mythology, human emotions, and space exploration, these films demonstrate how AI tools can expand creative possibilities while keeping filmmakers at the heart of the storytelling process.
The four films are:
‘Chekavar’ by Avium Studios, a fictional story set against the backdrop of the historic Battle of Colachel in 1741.
‘CHANAKYA – The Mind of an Empire’ by Eleventh Door Studio, which explores the journey of philosopher and strategist Chanakya.
‘DEVI: The Nine Astras’ by Kalpanik Films, centred on the manifestation of Shakti and her battle to restore cosmic balance.
‘Laika’ by Karthik Kult Kreations, which follows the emotional journey of a dog sent into space and explores themes of courage, sacrifice and the human-animal bond.
Launched in November 2025, the ‘Create with AI’ program combines IICT’s infrastructure and faculty mentorship with Google and YouTube’s AI technology. Its objective is to help Indian filmmakers experiment with AI-based production workflows and develop new creative capabilities.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting attended the event, including Director General (West Zone) Smita Vats Sharma, Joint Secretary Senthil Rajan, NFDC Managing Director Prakash Magdum, and CBFC CEO Rajendra Singh.
Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, CEO of IICT, stated that this initiative provides Indian creative studios with access to institutional mentorship and advanced AI tools, offering opportunities to experiment with new filmmaking methods. Gunjan Soni, Managing Director of YouTube India, emphasized the potential of generative AI to help independent creators enhance their production capabilities while telling stories on their own terms.
The programme also comes as generative AI gains traction in the creative sector. According to the Gen Media India report by Public First and Google, generative media tools could provide creative workers in India with a 20% productivity boost, equivalent to around 390 hours saved annually.
(PIB)
