What happens when cinema starts dreaming beyond the limits of reality? The truth is that films were never meant to be limited to realism alone. For generations, audiences have always been drawn to grand cinematic spectacles, imagination and wonder. What has changed today is the scale and precision with which filmmakers can bring those dreams to life.
Exclusive: Anand Pandit on how technology is reshaping cinema, but emotion still remains its soul; Let’s cite the AI-modified re-release of Raanjhanaa
From silent films to talkies, black and white to colour, 35mm to 70mm, CinemaScope, Dolby Sound and IMAX, cinema is constantly moving forward with technology to create richer viewing experiences. But today, technology does more than just make presentations better. Artificial Intelligence, virtual production and advanced visual effects are shaping the way stories are imagined, presented and experienced and Indian cinema is stepping into this phase with confidence and curiosity.
Even before digital technology came to the center stage of filmmaking, Indian cinema was creating gorgeous visual worlds through imagination, craftsmanship and human endeavour. When? Mughal-e-Azam A landmark success, it showed how studio locations could be transformed into majestic royal settings whose charm still endures today. Similarly, cinder The rugged terrain of Ramanagaram was transformed into a world inseparable from the influence of the film. What made these films memorable was not just the technique, but the way every visual detail strengthened the storytelling.
Now in 2026, filmmakers have strong references to global cinema that show how far technology can take visual storytelling. Avatar The films changed the visual language of modern cinema through motion capture and a digital world that felt surprisingly lifelike. like movies Dune: Part 2 And lion king Showed how virtual cinematography and photoreal imagery can blur the line between reality and imagination. These tools are no longer limited to Hollywood. Indian filmmakers are also adopting similar techniques while telling stories that remain emotionally familiar to Indian audiences.
This growing confidence became more visible Baahubali The franchise, which proved that our cinema can also create cinematic worlds on a scale equal to global productions. Still, what really stayed with audiences was the emotional intensity beneath the spectacle. Mahishmati Empire became memorable not only because of its scale, but also because audiences became emotionally invested in the relationships, conflicts, and power struggles that shaped its world.
When? RRR Coming in 2022 from the same director, it embraced stylized action and digital effects, but remained rooted in friendship and resistance. Similarly, Brahmastra: Part One Shiva An attempt was made to tell a fantasy story inspired by Indian mythology with advanced CGI techniques. These films show that technology becomes most effective when the audience cares deeply about the people at the center of the spectacle.
Indian filmmakers are also now experimenting with futuristic storytelling and franchise filmmaking on a large scale. Kalki 2898 AD Combining dystopian imagery with digital world building, this is one of India’s boldest science fiction efforts to date. I also like movies Lokah – Chapter One: Moon Malayalam cinema shows how regional industries are also exploring superhero narratives while retaining the local emotional flavour.
Meanwhile, like movies tumbad Show how technology can be used with moderation. Its visual effects reinforced the mood and psychological tension of the story without overpowering it. Sometimes the best uses of cinematic technique are the ones the audience barely notices.
Of course, technological ambition also comes with challenges. Audiences today are highly aware of cinematic craft, and they immediately notice when visual scale is not supported by emotional depth or solid graphics work. As audiences are constantly exposed to world-class content through streaming platforms, even small flaws can become the subject of ridicule rather than praise.
Apart from visual effects, Artificial Intelligence is also beginning to influence filmmaking in a big way. AI is shaping editing, dubbing, restoration and preproduction planning. Indian studios are already exploring AI aided multilingual dubbing and postproduction systems for pan Indian releases in different languages.
However, the rise of AI has also sparked creative and ethical debates. There was discussion regarding the revised reissue of A.I. Raanjhanaa And the lead actor expressing discomfort at the change at the end of the film highlights an important truth – technology can support storytelling, but it can’t create emotional honesty on its own.
In short, Indian cinema today stands at an exciting point where technology is opening up new creative possibilities while emotions remain the foundation of cinematic connection. The tools may change with each passing year, but the essence of cinema still lies in its ability to influence people. Because audiences may admire the spectacle, but they remember the feeling it leaves behind.
