Rajkumar Hirani to direct 4–5 minute short AI film, says it is ‘going to be a great tool’

Rajkumar Hirani, known for making warm and meaningful films about people and friendships, is now interested in trying something new with artificial intelligence. The filmmaker recently said that he wants to direct a short film using AI tools. His idea has started many online discussions, as fans are curious to see how he will mix his style with new technology. Hirani explained that he doesn’t want to replace traditional filmmaking but wants to use AI to help with creativity. He already has a story in mind and plans to start the project soon.In a recent conversation with Variety India, Hirani said, “I’m sometimes very excited with AI things and I want to do a short AI film… So AI is going to be a great tool actually, and we should start becoming friends with it very soon. It’s here to stay and is a great tool. It’s not that you have to use it, or that you have to make a totally AI film. But use that to fill a lot of things which we couldn’t do earlier. It’s going to be cost effective. And it’s not that a full AI film is easy to make. Okay, we are not going on the sets, but it’s as consuming… It’s quite an effort to make a full AI film". Hirani added that the project would be a short experiment instead of a full-length movie. Hirani explained, “AI is going to be a great tool. I am planning to do a short, 4-5 minutes, film. Because I have a story to tell, and second, I feel I can learn that way the best. So, while I’m writing, I’ll do that in the next few months. I have a good story. I’ll have something interesting."Hirani’s most recent theatrical release was ‘Dunki’ (2023), starring Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role. The film delved into the issue of illegal immigration, following the story of four friends, Manu, Sukhi, Buggu, and Balli, who dream of moving to London. It was released in theatres on December 21, just a day before ‘Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire’, and also featured Taapsee Pannu in an important role.Up next, Hirani is gearing up to team up once again with Aamir Khan for a biopic on Dadasaheb Phalke, who is widely known as the Father of Indian Cinema. This upcoming project will be their third collaboration after ‘3 Idiots’ (2009) and ‘PK’ (2014). More details about the film are yet to be revealed.