Filmmaking veteran Ram Gopal Varma has sparked a new discussion about moving forward with cinema through his theatrical performance about artificial intelligence. Varma shared on his X account that the advanced AI tool Seedance 2.0 functions as a lethal force that will destroy traditional film industry operations but yet brings about what he describes as authentic creative freedom.
Varma Sees AI as Both Threat and Liberation
Varma’s remarks show that he has two different views about how AI affects filmmaking through its application to movies. He praised Seedance 2.0 because it enabled all filmmakers to access tools needed for creating movies. The AI tool developed to create multi-shot cinematic scenes with sound design from basic text input has managed to impress both creators and audiences through its ability to produce visual content that matches the quality of high-budget films. Varma explains that this technology removes traditional film industry gatekeeping methods, which enable all skilled small-town directors and filmmakers from different backgrounds to showcase their artistic work without needing expensive production teams or industry network access.
The “Murder” of Traditional Cinema
Varma used strong words to present his view that AI can make its advantages accessible to all people. He called Seedance 2.0 a “murderer of the film industry” because he believed that AI can create complete movies, which will make all current film industry professionals, including directors, actors, technicians, producers, and production teams, useless. He demonstrated that directors need to create visual narratives based on written scenes because their main responsibility requires them to develop these visual stories. He said that production costs will no longer cause budgetary problems to lead actors because only one individual will generate ideas through a single AI prompt.
From Elitism to Accessibility
Varma demonstrated how SS Rajamouli and other high-budget filmmakers who received backing from the film industry could create their work because of their established track record, which contrasted with the situation of talented filmmakers who remained unknown because they lacked financial support and industry connections. Seedance 2.0, in his view, has “kicked the gate down and set it on fire,” enabling ordinary people, whether in a small town or balancing a day job, to produce cinematic content that might otherwise be out of reach. For Varma, this shift represents true artistic freedom and the democratization of cinema.
Debate Across the Industry and Beyond
The remarks made by Varma generated divided opinions, which spread throughout social media platforms and the entire entertainment industry. Supporters of AI technology believe it will increase creative access while decreasing entry requirements, but opponents of the technology see it as a danger that will destroy traditional filmmaking skills and the jobs linked to those skills. The ongoing discussions about AI technology in cinema reflect broader public concerns and anticipations about the impact of new technologies on creative industries throughout the upcoming years.
