‘Varanasi’ director SS Rajamouli says AI is a ‘fantastic assistant’ for research; however shares why he is cautious about generative AI; says, ‘I remain skeptical’ |

Ace filmmaker SS Rajamouli known for his grand scale and visually stunning cinema is working on his next ambitious project ‘Varanasi’. Recently, the filmmaker talked about artificial intelligence where he shared his views on the technology and its use of generative AI in filmmaking.

SS Rajamouli shared his take on generative AI

Speaking to students at Georgia University, Rajamouli said AI has been useful for research and preliminary work, helping teams complete tasks much faster than before.In a video shared by an X user, the ‘RRR’ director, interacting with the student through video conference, said, “It’s difficult to predict where AI is heading because the technology and its applications are evolving rapidly. So far, AI has been a fantastic assistant for research, R&D and preliminary work. Tasks that once took weeks or months can now be completed in hours or even minutes.”During his latest interaction, he explained that he remains cautious about using the technology for filmmaking. “However, when it comes to generative AI, I remain skeptical. At present, we are using AI primarily as an assistant and are not relying on it for digital or generative filmmaking processes,” he told the students.The director is known for his large sets, detailed visual effects and extensive location shoots in films such as ‘Baahubali’, ‘RRR’, ‘Eega’ and more.

About Rajamouli’s next film ‘Varanasi’

Speaking of his upcoming film ‘Varanasi’, the film is set to be an action adventure, with the story spread across multiple timelines. The film will reportedly show the world facing a serious threat from a massive asteroid named Shambhavi.

Cast and release details of ‘Varanasi’

It stars Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu playing Rudra, who will be a time travelling adventurer along with Global icon Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini. On the other hand, Malayalam star Prithviraj Sukumaran will be seen playing the main villain as Kumbha.The film reportedly is being made on a grand budget of over Rs 1400 crore.The film is reportedly in the last leg of production and is scheduled to release worldwide on April 7, 2027.