The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) and YouTube have released four AI-enabled short films as the first output of their collaborative Create with AI programme. The films, unveiled at the IICT Theatre in Mumbai on 7 October 2026, represent India’s growing capabilities in artificial intelligence-assisted filmmaking. The programme, announced in November 2025, aims to support creative projects using AI technology and strengthen India’s position as a global leader in AI-driven cinema.
The initiative brings together YouTube’s generative AI tools, IICT’s production infrastructure and faculty mentorship, and the creative vision of independent Indian film studios. Each film demonstrates different storytelling possibilities enabled by AI technology while keeping the filmmaker in control of the creative direction.
Key facts
- Four AI-enabled short films unveiled on 7 October 2026
- Create with AI programme announced in November 2025
- Films released simultaneously on filmmakers’ YouTube channels
- IICT first campus operational since July 2025 at NFDC Complex
- Permanent 10-acre campus under development at Film City, Goregaon
- IICT offers 18 courses currently
- Generative AI tools provide 20% productivity boost for creative workers according to Gen Media India report
- AI tools save creators approximately 390 hours annually
The four films
The first film, ‘Chekavar’ by Avium Studios, is a fictional narrative set during the historic Battle of Colachel in 1741. It draws on the history, people and martial traditions of the period to tell its story.
‘CHANAKYA – The Mind of an Empire’ by Eleventh Door Studio explores the life and achievements of Chanakya, the ancient philosopher and strategist who helped establish the Mauryan Empire. The film takes an epic approach to this historical subject.
‘DEVI: The Nine Astras’ by Kalpanik Films presents mythological storytelling, depicting the divine power of Shakti and her battle to restore balance in the cosmos.
‘Laika’ by Karthik Kult Kreations shifts to space exploration, telling the emotional story of a dog sent into space. The film explores sacrifice, courage and the relationship between humans and animals.
How the programme works
The Create with AI programme functions as a practical experiment in using emerging technologies for filmmaking. It combines three elements: access to Google and YouTube’s AI technologies, IICT’s physical production infrastructure and academic guidance from faculty members, and the creative talent of Indian film studios.
The approach emphasises that AI works most effectively when it expands creative possibilities rather than replacing the filmmaker’s vision and decision-making. Creators use the technology to streamline production processes, but remain central to storytelling and artistic choices.
Benefits for Indian creators
According to research cited in the announcement, generative media tools deliver measurable productivity gains for creative professionals in India. A Gen Media India report by Public First and Google found that these tools boost productivity by 20% for creative workers. In practical terms, this translates to saving approximately 390 hours per year for each creator—equivalent to nearly ten full weeks.
This additional time allows filmmakers to concentrate on writing, developing the world of their stories, and refining their craft rather than managing repetitive production tasks.
About IICT
The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies is designated as India’s National Centre of Excellence for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality, commonly known as AVGC-XR. It was established through collaboration between the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Government of Maharashtra, FICCI and CII.
The institute’s first campus became operational in July 2025 at the NFDC Complex in Mumbai. A larger permanent campus spanning 10 acres is under development at Film City in Goregaon. IICT currently offers 18 courses and has partnerships with major global technology and media companies.
What this means for you
If you are a filmmaker, animator or creative professional in India, this programme signals growing institutional support for AI-assisted production. The combination of technology access, mentorship and funding through such initiatives can reduce barriers to entry for independent studios.
If you are a student interested in filmmaking, animation or visual effects, IICT’s expanding course offerings and partnerships provide training opportunities in AI-enabled creative workflows, reflecting the industry’s evolving skill requirements.
If you consume Indian cinema and digital content, this development suggests more diverse, experimental storytelling may become accessible from independent creators who previously lacked production resources.