A few years ago, the idea of creating films from a text prompt felt far-fetched. Today, artificial intelligence can generate images, voices, visual effects and even short video sequences within minutes, reducing processes that once required large crews, studios and budgets to something achievable with a laptop.
Film and media have always evolved with technology,from silent cinema to sound, colour, and CGI. However, AI represents a deeper shift. Earlier innovations enhanced storytelling, but AI is increasingly capable of generating parts of it independently.
The impact is already visible across the industry. Newsrooms use AI for transcription, translation, research and visual content creation, raising questions about how the roles of journalists and editors will evolve. In film, AI is being used for editing, dubbing and post-production, while experimental AI-generated films and micro-dramas are attracting global audiences online.
Industry opinion remains divided. Filmmakers such as Shakun Batra and George Miller see AI as a creative tool that expands storytelling possibilities, while actor Ben Affleck has suggested it may streamline production rather than replace human talent. Others, including Amitabh Bachchan, have warned about concerns over digital replication and loss of artistic control.
While AI can imitate emotion and craft, critics argue it cannot truly experience human life, the foundation of meaningful storytelling. The debate ultimately centres on whether audiences will continue to value the human imagination behind the screen.
