Entertainment · Indian Cinema · 2 hrs ago
VFX expert says audiences are confusing CGI with AI in film promotions
CB Arun Kumar says audiences are increasingly suspicious of digital images in films.
The Pearl Academy dean and National Award-winning animation expert points to accusations that promotional material for Ramayana, Jailer 2 and Dada used AI.
He says CGI, visual effects compositing and generative AI are different techniques, and an unusual-looking image alone does not prove AI was used.
Wider access to films and online content has made it easier for people to examine images closely and criticise them.
Kumar says AI has become a label for visuals people dislike, which he believes is unfair to both VFX artists and filmmakers exploring AI.
He urges filmmakers to be more transparent and show audiences how promotional visuals and film scenes are made.
Such behind-the-scenes material, he says, could help build trust and appreciation for the finished work.
CB Arun Kumar says criticism of promotional visuals for films including Ramayana, Jailer 2 and Dada reflects confusion about CGI, VFX and AI.
The National Award-winning animation filmmaker says an unusual or unrealistic-looking image is not necessarily evidence that AI was used.
He says audiences are increasingly scrutinising film images as access to visual content and tools has expanded.
Kumar says film marketing teams may use AI to enhance promotional material, including elements that may not appear in the film.
He says filmmakers should be more transparent about how promotional visuals are made to build audience trust.
- Who
- CB Arun Kumar, dean of communication, film and gaming at Pearl Academy and a National Award-winning animation filmmaker.
- What
- He says criticism of film promotions reflects confusion between CGI, VFX and AI.
- When
- The interview was published on 2026-10-22.
- Where
- The interview was published by Hindustan Times; the films discussed include Ramayana, Jailer 2 and Dada.
- Why
- Kumar says audiences often mistake visual anomalies or a hyper-real look for proof of AI use, amid growing scrutiny of film imagery.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Arun Kumar says he began working in animation and visual effects, when exposure to visual material was highly limited.
Kumar says online film piracy became common and people gained unprecedented access to content.
Kumar says widespread use of AI has grown, describing it as the tip of the iceberg.
Hindustan Times published its interview with Kumar about audience distrust and film visuals.
- Interviewee
- CB Arun Kumar
- Role
- Dean of communication, film and gaming at Pearl Academy
- Experience
- 30 years working in animation and visual effects
- Films named
- Ramayana, Jailer 2 and Dada
- Publication date
- 2026-10-22
What people are saying
The controversies around these films reflect a growing confusion among audiences about how contemporary digital imagery is actually created
CGI, VFX compositing and generative AI are not interchangeable terms
A visual anomaly, an unrealistic-looking image, or even a hyper-real look is not necessarily evidence of AI
The filmmakers need to be far more transparent about their creative processes