“Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal,” a groundbreaking Hindi-language theatrical film, is poised to become one of India’s first to extensively utilize generative AI technology. Directed by the acclaimed Indian National Film Award-winner Rajesh Mapuskar, this ambitious project will chronicle the revered tale of the Hindu god Lord Hanuman. The film is a collaborative effort between Vikram Malhotra’s Abundantia Entertainment and Collective Media Network’s Historyverse, and is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on Hanuman Jayanti in 2026.

Rajesh Mapuskar brings a distinguished cinematic background and considerable pedigree to this innovative venture. His directorial credits include the critically acclaimed films “Ventilator” and “Ferrari Ki Sawaari.” Beyond directing, Mapuskar also served as associate director on several of Rajkumar Hirani’s iconic blockbusters, notably “Munnabhai MBBS,” “Lage Raho Munnabhai,” and the immensely successful “3 Idiots,” showcasing his profound experience in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with a wide audience.

The pioneering integration of generative AI technology is a central and defining aspect of “Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal.” The production benefits from the expertise of a dedicated team of over 50 engineers from Galleri5, the technology division of Collective Artists Network. This technical prowess is further bolstered by collaborations with cultural scholars, literary experts, and writers, all working meticulously to ensure the narrative's authenticity, historical accuracy, and profound respect for India’s rich spiritual heritage.

Producers have expressed immense confidence in Mapuskar’s vision and leadership for this disruptive project. Vikram Malhotra, CEO of Abundantia Entertainment, lauded Mapuskar’s proven ability to tell emotionally deep stories that connect universally with movie-watchers. He highlighted Mapuskar’s cinematic craft, his deep understanding of the narrative, and his curiosity to explore new creative paradigms as attributes that make him the perfect choice to lead a film of this innovative nature. Similarly, Vijay Subramaniam, founder and group CEO of Collective Artists Network, underscored the project’s goal of redefining how stories from our cultural legacy are told and experienced, emphasizing the excitement to push boundaries of creativity and technology to present a version of Hanuman’s story that resonates across generations and geographies.

Rajesh Mapuskar himself shared his perspective on helming such a pioneering endeavor, describing it as both thrilling and daunting to fearlessly embrace innovation. He articulated that the timeless story of Lord Hanuman, replete with themes of strength, devotion, and purpose, offers a unique canvas. For Mapuskar, this film represents a rare and significant opportunity to simultaneously honor India’s spiritual heritage while spearheading the future of filmmaking through advanced technological integration.

Beyond its narrative and artistic merits, “Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal” stands as a significant test case for the broader integration of AI technology in feature filmmaking. Its production is unfolding at a crucial juncture when the global film industry is actively engaging with and debating the evolving role of artificial intelligence within creative processes and production pipelines. This makes the film a crucial benchmark for assessing the practical applications and potential impact of AI in future cinematic productions.