As artificial intelligence continues to seep into creative industries, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has strongly criticised its growing presence in Bollywood. The trigger? The announcement of Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal, a film reportedly created using AI. Kashyap has taken direct aim at Vijay Subramaniam, CEO of KWAN Collective, accusing him of betraying the very artists he represents.
“Shame Is Not Enough”: Kashyap Targets Vijay Subramaniam
In a fiery Instagram post, Kashyap lashed out at Subramaniam for backing an AI-generated film. “Congratulations @vijaysubramaniam84… So much for looking after and representing the interests of creators,” he wrote. Kashyap accused the agency of prioritising profits over creativity, adding that they turn to AI because their current talent isn’t bringing in enough revenue.
Calling the move a betrayal, he wrote, “Any actor or anyone who calls themselves artists and has a spine should be questioning him or leaving the agency.” Kashyap labeled the decision as “spineless,” “cowardly,” and “shameful,” stating that Subramaniam belongs “in the gutter.”
Concerns About AI Replacing Human Creativity
While Kashyap admitted that AI’s advancement is inevitable, his core issue lies in the ethics of the choice. He expressed disappointment that someone responsible for nurturing human talent would instead invest in AI-driven content, including the creation of an AI music band named TRILOk.
He emphasized, “He represents the voice of artists… and is producing an AI film when the industry needs course correction.” Kashyap also criticized talent agencies for driving up costs and distorting artists’ career paths rather than fostering real, collaborative creativity.
Also Read: Controversy Alert! Anurag Kashyap Gets Notice from Surat Court Over Brahmin Remark
A Broader Industry Debate
Kashyap’s outburst has intensified an ongoing debate in Bollywood, as other filmmakers like Hansal Mehta, Neeraj Pandey, and Vikramaditya Motwane also express unease about AI’s role in storytelling.
