Hungama and IICT Host AI Storytelling Event Ahead of Mumbai Tech Week 2026

Why It Matters

The initiative signals a shift toward AI‑centric content creation, positioning India as a hub for next‑generation entertainment tech and offering creators new tools to scale globally.

Key Takeaways

• Hungama and IICT hosted AI storytelling event during Mumbai Tech Week.
• CEO Neeraj Roy envisioned “AI storytelling civilisation” by 2030.
• Four pillars: AI studios, real-time translation, participatory narratives, AI‑driven IP.
• Event highlighted need for academia‑industry collaboration to export tech talent.

Pulse Analysis

Mumbai Tech Week 2026 has become a showcase for how artificial intelligence is infiltrating every layer of the entertainment value chain. By positioning "Lights, Camera, Code" as an official satellite, Hungama and the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies highlighted AI's role in accelerating production timelines, reducing costs, and unlocking hyper‑personalized experiences for audiences. The event attracted a mix of filmmakers, software engineers, and venture capitalists, reflecting a broader industry trend where creative and technical talent converge to prototype AI‑powered storytelling tools.

Neeraj Roy's keynote painted a roadmap toward an "AI storytelling civilisation" by 2030, built on four strategic pillars: AI‑enabled independent studios, real‑time multilingual translation, participatory narrative formats, and AI‑reimagined cultural IP. He also introduced a layered "storytelling stack" that spans generative video engines, autonomous creative agents, immersive interfaces, and intelligent distribution networks. These components promise creators the ability to generate high‑quality content at scale while maintaining artistic control, a shift that could democratize blockbuster production and diversify global media offerings.

Beyond the technology, the event emphasized the necessity of strong academia‑industry ecosystems. IICT's CEO Vishwas Deoskar argued that India’s competitive advantage lies not only in its youthful, diverse audience but also in its capacity to export the underlying AI tools and talent. As global studios seek cost‑effective, culturally resonant content, India's emerging talent pool and collaborative research hubs could become a critical supply chain for the next wave of immersive media, reinforcing the country's position as a future leader in AI‑driven entertainment.