Mittal explained that the film was conceived to educate audiences about Khatu Shyam’s previous life and his title as the “support of the defeated.” “Through AI, we wanted to tell these stories without assigning the status of God to any human actor. It’s a new way to connect devotion and technology,” he said.
The singer admitted that the journey was challenging. Animating characters, syncing dialogues, and creating realistic sequences required extensive effort. “Sometimes the dialogues didn’t match, and animating characters took time. But by Baba’s grace, everything fell into place. Initially, I hoped to contribute just one song, but eventually, I got to work on the entire film,” Mittal shared. The AI-generated visuals were widely appreciated by early viewers, with 90 percent commenting that it resembled a live shoot.
The film also carries a broader message about the responsible use of AI. Mittal highlighted the potential misuse of technology for deepfakes and online trolling and emphasized that AI should be leveraged for positive and creative endeavors. “AI is our future, but it must be used correctly. This film demonstrates how technology can serve devotion and art simultaneously,” he added.
Kanhaiya Mittal, who has been singing bhajans for 28 years, credits Khatu Shyam for guiding his musical journey. His devotion began in childhood, and he overcame interruptions in his career, including a hiatus during the COVID pandemic, to return to music. Today, Mittal remains focused on combining spirituality, music, and AI-driven storytelling.
Looking ahead, Mittal confirmed plans for further AI-based projects that honor diverse communities within Sanatan Dharma. These efforts aim to preserve cultural and spiritual narratives for future generations. Despite occasional involvement in politics, Mittal stated that his primary focus remains music and art as a medium to connect people with God.
The release of the AI film on Khatu Shyam marks a significant milestone in Indian devotional cinema, illustrating how emerging technology can complement tradition and creativity.
