The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa has witnessed a vibrant discussion surrounding the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in filmmaking, with a particular focus on its impact on music. Acclaimed filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj shared his perspective on AI's burgeoning presence in the music industry during a session at the festival.
Bhardwaj, known for his distinctive musical scores in films like "Maqbool" and "Omkara," addressed the audience during the Lata Mangeshkar Memorial Talk alongside music composer B. Ajaneesh Loknath, reminding them that technology should not be feared. He stated, "We shouldn't be scared of it, but we will learn what to use and what to leave," emphasizing a balanced approach to integrating AI into creative processes. He acknowledged AI's potential to assist in certain contexts, but stressed the irreplaceable human element in music composition.
The session, titled "The Rhythms of India: From the Himalayas to the Deccan," explored the diverse musical landscape of India, with Bhardwaj highlighting the country's rich tapestry of cultures, dialects, folk traditions, and musical signatures. The discussion naturally evolved to include lyrics, storytelling, and the future of music in the age of AI.
AI has emerged as an "unofficial star" at IFFI 2025, dominating conversations in the technical halls. Filmmakers, technicians, students, and industry professionals are actively participating in workshops and discussions centered around AI's applications, ranging from machine-assisted editing and generative visual effects to script analysis and AI-driven cinematography planning.
According to some senior filmmakers, AI is akin to "the new assistant director". It's perceived as a powerful tool that can significantly reduce pre-production time, enable rapid visualization, and empower independent creators to undertake projects previously feasible only with major studio backing.
Bhardwaj and Shekhar Kapur view the integration of AI as an opportunity for India to spearhead the global creative revolution. This sentiment aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on human-centric, equitable, and globally collaborative technological advancements. Modi has urged G20 nations to prioritize humanity and global cooperation in innovation, advocating for transparency, human oversight, and the prevention of misuse in AI development. In February 2026, India will host the AI Impact Summit, inviting global participation to promote the use of AI for the welfare and happiness of all.
Sustainability also emerged as a key theme at IFFI 2025, with AI-driven virtual location scouting, predictive scheduling, and smart crowd simulation being touted as methods to minimize waste and reduce the environmental impact of filmmaking. Festival organizers are considering the inclusion of sustainability as a formal category at future IFFI events, underscoring the significance of eco-conscious filmmaking practices.
IFFI 2025 signifies a pivotal moment, with the festival actively preparing filmmakers for a future where storytelling and intelligent technologies coexist and evolve synergistically. While celebrating artistic excellence remains central, this year's focus is firmly set on equipping creators with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of filmmaking.
