As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the creative landscape, filmmaker Shakun Batra remains both intrigued and measured about its impact. In an exclusive conversation with The Free Press Journal, the director discussed how AI is entering the world of cinema with increasing speed, prompting new conversations about storytelling, authorship, and artistic identity. Known for crafting intimate, emotion-driven narratives, Batra acknowledges AI’s potential but believes the depth of human experience remains irreplaceable.
Emotion Beyond Technology
Batra explained that his initial reaction to seeing AI-generated films at MAFF was a mix of curiosity and skepticism. His films rely heavily on silence, contradiction, and emotional nuance—elements he believed AI could never fully replicate. Yet, some of the work he encountered at the festival surprised him. What stood out was not technical perfection, but the unmistakable presence of a human voice behind the AI tools. For Batra, emotion is defined not by the medium but by the intention of the creator using it.
The Origin of His MAFF Collaboration
Sharing how his association with MAFF began, Batra recalled that it started unexpectedly. After being tagged in a tweet related to AI storytelling, his team took notice. A few days later, a conversation with Hardeep—who outlined a vision for MAFF that went beyond technology and leaned into deeper artistic questions—made the filmmaker instantly interested. He felt the platform was honest, curious, and unafraid to explore new creative possibilities without claiming to have all the answers.
Human Complexity At the Heart of Cinema
While Batra sees AI as a valuable creative aid capable of building “containers,” he maintains that true storytelling stems from human complexity. Cinema, he believes, lives in the spaces between words—in contradictions, vulnerability, and emotional truth. These are qualities that technology can assist but never fully embody. For him, AI should enhance creative exploration, not replace the human spark that fuels meaningful narratives.
Jay-Ho Updates
Shakun Batra’s perspective reflects a growing sentiment within the film industry: AI may expand the boundaries of technique and speed, but the soul of cinema remains deeply human. As filmmakers experiment with new tools, the future of storytelling will likely be defined by the balance between technological innovation and emotional authenticity—two forces that, when combined thoughtfully, can push cinema into its next evolution.
