Veteran actor Pankaj Kapur has weighed in on the growing use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, emphasising that no amount of technological advancement can replace human emotion — the core of cinema. Speaking about the increasing integration of AI in shoots, VFX and performance replication, Kapur said that while technology can assist creators, storytelling remains rooted in human feeling and lived experience.

He stated that film as an art form thrives on emotional truth, and that machines lack the organic complexity required to interpret or express it. According to him, the danger lies in creators becoming overly dependent on AI, which could dilute the essence of performance, narrative and audience connection. Kapur stressed that filmmaking is a craft built on sensitivity and empathy — qualities no algorithm can replicate.

The actor added that AI may streamline processes, reduce costs and expand creative possibilities, but filmmakers must maintain a balance to ensure the ‘soul’ of cinema remains intact. His remarks come at a time when debates around deepfakes, AI-generated actors and automated storytelling are intensifying across the industry.

Pankaj Kapur’s stance aligns with many artists who believe that while AI can be a valuable tool, it can never replace the emotional depth that only human creators can bring to the screen.