Producer Ajinkya Jadhav of Paparazzi Entertainment is set to redefine the way mythological stories are told on screen with Manikandan: The Last Avatar, a film that blends faith with futuristic technology. For him, this project is not just a movie it is “a cultural and technological leap.”
Talking about what drew him to produce a film rooted in Ayyappa’s legacy while powered by AI, Ajinkya says their vision was crystal clear from the beginning. “We wanted to merge the divinity of Lord Ayyappa with the limitless possibilities of AI-driven storytelling. This isn’t about just generating visuals it’s about building an entire cinematic universe with AI as a creative partner,” he explains. From concept art and worldbuilding to previsualisation, AI has helped them craft scale and imagination that traditional methods often restrict. “It’s technology meeting tradition that balance makes this film truly special.”
The target audience for Manikandan: The Last Avatar is wide and emotionally connected. The film appeals to Ayyappa devotees, lovers of high-intensity mythological thrillers, tech-savvy youth curious about AI cinema, and families who enjoy spiritual yet dramatic storytelling. Ajinkya adds, “Anyone who connects with faith, emotion, and blockbuster visuals will find something powerful in this film.”
On the rising wave of AI films globally, Ajinkya is confident that the shift is irreversible. “AI cinema is not the future anymore it is the present. It’s going to become bigger. AI enhances creativity, speeds up processes, and helps filmmakers imagine without limits. It doesn’t replace artists; it empowers them.” He believes that in the coming years, AI-driven films will be mainstream, and Paparazzi Entertainment aims to stay ahead in this revolution.
The producer is also expanding his slate across languages and genres. After announcing a massive AI-driven superhero film with Sunny Leone, he is now venturing into regional storytelling with equal passion. “India’s cultural depth lies in its regions. Stories rooted in our languages and traditions have authenticity and raw emotion. Whether it’s a pan-India star like Sunny Leone or a deeply rooted legend like Lord Ayyappa, we want to be at the intersection of scale, culture, and innovation.”
While regional filmmaking comes with complexities dialect, cultural nuances, authenticity Ajinkya sees them as responsibilities, not hurdles. “When you tell a regional story, you must honour it. Every detail in Manikandan visuals, tone, worldbuilding is crafted with cultural sensitivity. AI is helping us bridge gaps, not create them. The challenge becomes a strength when the intention is to respect the culture.”
With Manikandan: The Last Avatar, Ajinkya Jadhav is not just creating a film he is shaping what the future of Indian storytelling can look like.
