Veteran filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has announced plans to establish an AI-focused film school in Dharavi, Mumbai, a district renowned for its vibrant creativity despite socio-economic challenges. The initiative stems from Kapur’s successful decade-long collaboration with A.R. Rahman on The Dharavi Project, which empowered local talents through hip-hop and rap, catapulting many to national fame.
Kapur envisions this school as a hub for harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in filmmaking, calling it the “most democratic technology” that has the potential to revolutionize cinema. He emphasized how AI enables young creators, even those with limited resources, to produce high-quality films. For instance, a teenager with AI skills in Dharavi could rival top global filmmakers by crafting compelling short films.
The timeline for the school’s launch remains unconfirmed, but the focus will be on equipping students with AI tools to tell unique stories, democratizing access to cinematic education.
Simultaneously, Kapur is developing Masoom 2, the sequel to his acclaimed 1983 film Masoom. The sequel will explore new storylines while retaining its predecessor’s emotional depth. The cast includes Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Manoj Bajpayee, and Kapur’s daughter, Kaveri, adding a blend of legacy and fresh.
This dual focus on technological innovation and cinematic tradition highlights Kapur’s commitment to evolving the art of storytelling while nurturing emerging talent in India.