Tag: ChatGPT

Events in Goa, IFFI 2025

Masterclass on “The New AI Cinema” Explores the Future of Filmmaking at IFFI 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The sixth day of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 delivered one of the festival’s most forward-looking conversations through its masterclass titled “The New AI Cinema: A Discourse on Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs)”. The session brought together eminent voices from technology and cinema, including technologist Shankar Ramakrishnan, AI expert V. Muralitharan, and internationally celebrated filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, who led an engaging and visionary dialogue on how rapidly developing artificial intelligence tools are reshaping the art and craft of filmmaking.

The session opened with Ravi Kottarakara honouring Shekhar Kapur for his pioneering impact on Indian cinema, highlighting his innovative approach to storytelling and his enduring influence with films like Mr. India, still celebrated for its technical brilliance and cultural legacy. Kapur reflected on the profound shift unfolding across the world with the rise of AI, describing it as the most democratic medium ever introduced to filmmaking. He emphasised that AI has dissolved long-standing barriers, giving unprecedented creative access to individuals who previously had limited pathways into the industry. Illustrating this point, he shared an anecdote about his cook who used ChatGPT to create a script for Mr. India 2, demonstrating how transformative and inclusive AI-powered creativity has become.

Kapur expressed confidence that India, home to the world’s largest youth population, is poised to take a leading role in shaping the future of film technology. He also clarified the difference between traditional VFX and AI-driven processes, noting that while VFX involves crafting or modifying visuals digitally, AI leverages machine-learning models to automate, enhance, or even generate creative elements, fundamentally shifting the way films can be conceived and executed.

Technologists Shankar Ramakrishnan and V. Muralitharan expanded the conversation by demonstrating how modern AI tools such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini assist filmmakers across multiple stages of production, from scripting and storyboarding to generating detailed shot descriptions including lighting, camera angles, and visual dynamics. They showcased their AI-enhanced project The Turban and The Rock, written by Raja Rao, explaining how various AI platforms were integrated seamlessly into its creation.

The interactive Q&A session that followed encouraged deeper conversations about the larger possibilities of AI in cinema. The panellists highlighted how emerging technologies can support documentary production, archival restoration, film education, and creative ideation. Audiences were given a glimpse into the future through the screening of an AI-generated short documentary titled The Lost Legends, which demonstrated the growing sophistication of AI-driven visual storytelling.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding technological advancement, Shekhar Kapur grounded the discussion by reminding the audience that cinema’s true heart lies in human emotion. He emphasised that while AI can accelerate processes and expand creative possibilities, it is ultimately the human artist who breathes life, meaning, and emotional depth into a film.

The session concluded with a touching tribute to legendary actor Dharmendra, honouring his immense contribution to Indian cinema and reminding attendees that while the tools of filmmaking may evolve, the soul of the art remains in the stories and performances that connect deeply with audiences.

Events in Goa

LTIMindtree Partners with IFFI and NFDC to Launch India’s First AI Film Festival and Hackathon in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

LTIMindtree, a global technology consulting and digital solutions company, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) to launch India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Film Festival and Hackathon. Scheduled to take place from November 20 to 28, 2025, during the 56th edition of IFFI in Goa, the initiative aims to redefine the intersection of art, storytelling, and technology.

Since its inception in 1952, IFFI has stood as India’s premier cinematic platform, bringing together filmmakers and creative professionals from across the globe. With this collaboration, LTIMindtree, NFDC, and IFFI are set to introduce a new era of digital creativity through the integration of AI-powered tools in the cinematic process. The partnership, supported by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, represents a significant step towards fostering innovation in India’s creative economy.

Under this initiative, LTIMindtree’s BlueVerse CraftStudio and NFDC will create a dedicated ecosystem for AI-driven filmmaking, encouraging creators and technologists to collaborate on innovative projects that push the boundaries of storytelling. The AI Film Festival will feature screenings of AI-generated works across fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental categories, offering audiences a glimpse into how technology is reshaping artistic expression.

Complementing the festival is a 48-hour hackathon designed to challenge participants to build AI-powered storytelling and production tools. Alongside the competition, workshops and masterclasses led by global experts will cover topics such as ethical storytelling, AI in film production, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping creative narratives.

Shekhar Kapur, Festival Director of IFFI and Jury Chair of the IFFI AI Film Festival, highlighted the transformative potential of this collaboration, saying, “Cinema has always reflected the power of human imagination. Today, AI gives us a new lens that expands our ability to dream, design, and express. The IFFI AI Film Festival will be a playground for that evolution.”

Dr. Sujay Sen, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Interactive Services at LTIMindtree, echoed the sentiment, noting, “At LTIMindtree, we believe the future of storytelling lies at the confluence of human creativity and AI. Through this collaboration, we are proud to create a platform that nurtures innovation and brings the magic of AI to India’s creative economy.”

Adding to this, Shri Prakash Magdum, Managing Director of NFDC, said, “As India’s leading platform for cinematic excellence, IFFI has always celebrated emerging voices and technologies. Partnering with LTIMindtree and Shekhar Kapur allows us to extend this creative legacy into the world of AI responsibly, inclusively, and with a vision for global collaboration.”

The festival will also feature participation from international AI film festivals, with opportunities for global cross-credit recognition for creators and innovators. By bringing together cinema and cutting-edge technology, the AI Film Festival and Hackathon aim to position India as a global leader in AI-driven cinematic innovation.

TechPulse

Lenskart Set to Launch AI-Powered Smart Glasses in December, Built on Gemini 2.5

Tanisha Cardozo

Eyewear major Lenskart is preparing to enter the smart wearables market with the launch of its first AI-powered smart glasses by the end of December 2025. According to sources familiar with the development, the device, internally referred to as “B by Lenskart Smartglasses”, will integrate advanced AI-based interactions, health and wellness insights, and even UPI payment functionality. This move represents Lenskart’s most ambitious step yet in repositioning itself as a technology-led lifestyle brand.

The upcoming smart glasses are reportedly built on the Gemini 2.5 platform and are likely powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 chipset, a processor designed for lightweight augmented reality and AI-driven camera applications. The product launch could follow shortly after Lenskart’s stock market debut on November 10, signaling a strong synergy between its financial expansion and technological ambitions.

A person familiar with the company’s strategy said that the smart glasses aim to integrate AI and commerce seamlessly into everyday eyewear, making them more than just a vision aid — transforming them into an interactive, connected accessory. Lenskart’s partnership with Qualcomm, announced earlier this year at the Snapdragon for India XR Day, further solidifies its commitment to building AR and AI solutions tailored to Indian consumers.

Over the past year, Lenskart has been actively investing in AI, XR, and computer vision startups to strengthen its in-house technological capabilities. The company’s public issue, launched on October 31 to raise ₹7,278 crore at an estimated valuation of ₹70,000 crore (USD 8 billion), was fully subscribed on the first day.

If the launch proves successful, Lenskart could become one of the first Indian consumer technology brands to commercialize AI-driven eyewear, entering a market currently led by products such as Meta-Ray-Ban Smart Glasses and Amazon Echo Frames. With a focus on affordability, functionality, and design tailored for Indian consumers, Lenskart’s smart glasses could mark a defining moment in the evolution of India’s wearable technology landscape.

Social Media

OpenAI Developing Generative Music Tool That Makes Music from Text & Audio Prompts

Tanisha Cardozo

OpenAI is working on a new generative music tool that can create music from text and audio prompts. This innovative project is expected to enable users to add original soundtracks or instrumental accompaniments to videos, according to a report by The Information. However, there’s no official word yet on when it will launch, or whether it will be a standalone product or integrated into existing platforms such as ChatGPT or the video-generator Sora.

The tool is expected to offer features like multi-vocal track generation and AI-assisted mixing, making it appealing to independent musicians and content creators. As per the report, the project involves collaboration with students from the prestigious Juilliard School, who are helping to annotate musical scores to provide accurate training data for the AI model. The partnership aims to understand how machines can learn and replicate musical patterns and emotions.

Notably, OpenAI’s new tool builds on its previous projects — MuseNet and Jukebox — and promises enhanced user control over musical style, tone, and energy. Jukebox, released in 2020, enabled users to create AI music in various genres like reggae and blues, though it is no longer actively maintained.

The move by OpenAI into the music generation space is expected to intensify competition with other tech giants like Google and startups like Suno, which already offer generative music solutions. The development of this tool has also sparked discussions around copyright, ethical questions, and creative ownership. Several voices in the music industry have raised concerns about AI companies not fairly compensating artists, with some calling for stronger laws to protect human musicians. At the same time, some scammers have exploited AI music tools to fraudulently earn streaming revenue on platforms like Spotify.

As of now, there is no confirmed release date nor clarity on distribution format. Whether the tool will debut as a stand-alone app or integrate into OpenAI’s broader ecosystem remains to be seen. But if released, it could reshape how creators build music, merge audio with video, and how the music industry approaches production and rights in the age of AI.

Social Media

OpenAI’s Big India Move: 1-Year FREE ChatGPT Go Access; Sign Up from Nov 4

Tanisha Cardozo

OpenAI has announced that starting November 4, Indian users can enjoy one year of free access to ChatGPT Go, the company’s new subscription tier that offers higher query limits, image generation, and file uploads. The limited-time offer coincides with OpenAI’s first-ever DevDay Exchange event in Bengaluru, celebrating the company’s growing presence in India — its second-largest and one of the fastest-growing markets for ChatGPT.

“To celebrate OpenAI’s DevDay Exchange event in Bengaluru on November 4 — its first in India — OpenAI is making ChatGPT Go available free for one full year to all users in India who sign up during a limited-time promotional period,” the company said in a statement.

Launched in India in August, ChatGPT Go was designed in response to user feedback seeking more affordable access to OpenAI’s most advanced tools. Within a month of its launch, the number of paid ChatGPT subscribers in India more than doubled, highlighting the nation’s growing enthusiasm for AI-powered productivity solutions.

Building on this demand, OpenAI has now expanded ChatGPT Go to nearly 90 global markets. India, however, continues to stand out — home to millions of developers, students, and professionals who use ChatGPT daily to enhance learning, creativity, and work.

“This promotion is a continuation of OpenAI’s ‘India-first’ commitment and supports the IndiaAI Mission, reinforcing the growing momentum around AI in India as the country prepares to host the AI Impact Summit next year,” OpenAI said. The company also confirmed that existing ChatGPT Go subscribers in India will be eligible for the 12-month free access period.

Nick Turley, Vice President and Head of ChatGPT, praised the enthusiastic response from Indian users since the initial rollout. “Since launching ChatGPT Go in India a few months ago, the adoption and creativity we’ve seen from users has been inspiring,” he said. “Ahead of our first DevDay Exchange event in India, we’re making ChatGPT Go freely available for a year to help more people across India easily access and benefit from advanced AI.”

The announcement underscores OpenAI’s growing investment in India’s digital and AI future. As one of the world’s largest technology ecosystems, India continues to be a key focus market for AI innovation and adoption. With initiatives like this, OpenAI is not only expanding access but also empowering a new generation of Indian creators, developers, and thinkers to lead the global AI transformation.