Artificial intelligence (AI) is catalyzing a significant transformation in content creation, with costs decreasing by up to 60-70% and project timelines being notably shortened, as stated by Vijay Subramaniam, Group CEO and Founder of Collective Artists Network.
In a discussion with CNBC-TV18, Subramaniam highlighted that AI is not merely enhancing efficiencies but is fundamentally altering the production process for large-scale content, particularly in mythology and fantasy genres.
“Tasks that traditionally took weeks for design, pre-visualization, and VFX can now be accomplished in just days by a smaller, more cohesive team,” he remarked.
The firm is utilizing AI to execute large-format projects like Mahabharata, Hanuman, Krishna, and Karna, significantly lessening dependence on physical production and extensive post-production efforts.
While conventional filmmaking demands considerable upfront investments in sets, VFX, and infrastructure, AI-driven workflows are allowing for a shift in capital towards technology, systems, and iterative creative development.
“It’s not merely about producing cheaper films but achieving comparable or larger scales with a more optimized cost structure,” he noted.
Collective Artists Network, which Subramaniam asserts is one of India’s largest creator ecosystems, is also significantly increasing its AI-generated content output. The company claims it is producing AI-driven content at an unparalleled pace in the region.
Despite worries regarding automation, Subramaniam dismissed the notion that AI will replace human positions. “That narrative is misleading. AI empowers creatives rather than displacing them. Directors, writers, and designers remain integral to the process,” he explained.
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The company has also evolved a deep-tech acquisition into a fully operational AI studio called Galleri5 and is experiencing significant growth in integrated brand collaborations, with deal sizes expanding as brands move from one-off campaigns to comprehensive partnerships.
Supported by investors like Nikhil Kamath and Nepean Capital, the firm has announced that it is profitable and well-funded, with no immediate plans for fundraising.
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Looking forward, Collective is broadening its international reach, currently present in West Asia and aiming to expand further into Southeast Asia.
The company is also considering a potential public listing, with more details expected in the coming year.
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