JioStar's next content play: AI-written, AI-voiced, AI-produced shows

JioStar is set to elevate its entertainment offerings by leveraging artificial intelligence, following the success of its AI-generated adaptation of the Mahabharat, which captivated millions of viewers. According to a report from Bloomberg, the company, backed by billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries and Walt Disney, is planning a lineup of shows and films that will be entirely created, animated, voiced, and edited through AI for its JioHotstar platform. A spokesperson for JioStar confirmed the initiative, announcing plans to recruit AI experts and expand its production of AI-generated content. The company intends to hire approximately 80 specialists and engineers, signaling a significant investment in generative AI capabilities. The push towards AI content creation follows the impressive debut of Mahabharat: Ek Dharmayudh, which garnered about 6.5 million views on its first day—more than double the platform's usual first-day viewership. JioStar is reportedly developing additional AI-driven projects, including a television series titled Makaraj, a feature film named Hanuman, and several short-form dramas. Earlier this year, JioStar appointed veteran US screenwriter and producer Stephan Bugaj to spearhead its generative AI content strategy. This expansion positions JioStar as one of the pioneering major Indian entertainment companies to offer a diverse array of AI-generated productions, joining a growing movement where smaller studios and startups have already begun exploring AI in filmmaking.