National Award-winning VFX expert Arun Kumar says criticism around Ramayana, Jailer 2 visuals based on growing confusion on CGI vs AI | HT Exclusive
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National Award-winning VFX expert CB Arun Kumar attributes public backlash against films like Ramayana and Jailer 2 to a misunderstanding of CGI versus AI. He argues that the industry's shift toward AI-generated content may be compromising audience engagement.
The Blurred Lines of Modern Cinema: CGI vs. AI
In a recent exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, National Award-winning VFX expert CB Arun Kumar has shed light on the intensifying public scrutiny surrounding the visual quality of high-profile Indian films. As the dean of communication, film, and gaming at Pearl Academy, Kumar brings three decades of industry experience to the table, noting that the current backlash against films like Ramayana, Jailer 2, and Dada is rooted in a fundamental confusion among audiences regarding the distinction between traditional Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) and the emerging integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The Historical Context of Visual Effects
To understand the current tension, one must look back at the evolution of Indian cinema's visual landscape. When Kumar entered the industry in the 1980s, the tools available were primitive, and visual effects were a specialized, labor-intensive craft. Over the last thirty years, the industry transitioned from analog techniques to digital pipelines, where CGI became the backbone of spectacle. Today, the introduction of AI into these pipelines has disrupted this established workflow, leading to a public perception that equates any visual inconsistency or perceived 'artificial' look with the use of generative AI.
Dissecting the Public Backlash
The criticism directed at the promotional materials for Ramayana, Jailer 2, and Dada serves as a case study for this digital-era phenomenon. Audiences, now hyper-aware of AI advancements, have become quick to label any questionable visual output as 'AI-generated.' Kumar suggests that this reaction is not merely about technical quality, but about a growing distrust of the dehumanization of creative processes. The audience is essentially acting as a watchdog, fearing that the reliance on automated systems is replacing the human artistry that once defined the golden era of VFX.
The Crisis of Engagement
Beyond the technical debate, Kumar raises a philosophical concern: is AI actually making cinema more engaging? His assessment is grim. He argues that while AI can streamline production, it often lacks the soul and intentionality that human animators provide. If the industry prioritizes the speed and cost-effectiveness of AI over the narrative-driven craftsmanship of traditional CGI, the quality of visual storytelling may suffer. This fear of 'hollow' visuals is what fundamentally drives the negative sentiment surrounding modern film marketing.
Predicting Future Trends
Looking forward, the industry faces a critical crossroads. As AI tools become more sophisticated, the line between human-assisted CGI and AI-generated content will become increasingly difficult to discern. Filmmakers will likely need to adopt greater transparency to regain audience trust. We can expect a future where studios might need to certify their creative processes to differentiate between 'human-led' VFX and automated AI generation to appease a skeptical public.
Conclusion
The discourse sparked by CB Arun Kumar highlights a necessary conversation about the integrity of visual media. As the lines between human artistry and machine generation continue to blur, the film industry must address the audience's growing anxiety. Ultimately, the success of future blockbusters may depend not just on their visual polish, but on their ability to prove that human creativity remains at the heart of the spectacle.
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