Varanasi: SS Rajamouli Teams Up With Nagarjuna Akkineni’s Annapurna Studios For Key Shoot; Unveils Motion Capture Lab

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli has introduced what is being hailed as India’s most advanced motion capture facility at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad. The new A&M Motion Capture Lab has been established through a collaboration between Akkineni Nagarjuna’s Annapurna Studios and producer Shobu Yarlagadda’s Mihira Visual Labs, with technological support from Animatrik Film Design. The facility was already utilised by the Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas-starrer Varanasi.

SS Rajamouli Teams Up With Nagarjuna Akkineni’s Annapurna Studios For Key Varanasi Shoot

For Rajamouli, the facility closes a long-standing gap in Indian filmmaking infrastructure. “India has always had some of the world’s best technicians contributing to major global productions, but what we lacked was an advanced facility right here at home,” he said, speaking to Variety India.

“When I look back at some of my previous films like ‘Baahubali’ and ‘Eega,’ I reminisce how I could have made them even better if I had access to motion capture technology back then in India. With the introduction of A&M’s motion capture technology, that gap has finally been bridged. We utilised this facility in the making of crucial sequences in ‘Varanasi,’ and the results were simply fantastic.”

Nagarjuna On The Collab

Nagarjuna framed the launch as a milestone for Indian cinema at large. “For decades, Indian filmmakers have aspired to tell large-scale stories that match global standards, but access to high-end technology was often a limitation,” he said. “With A&M, filmmakers can now bring everything from epic adventures to intricate science fiction dramas and animation films to life right here in Hyderabad.”

Yarlagadda On The Collab

Yarlagadda, whose Mihira Visual Labs co-developed the facility, described it as part of a broader infrastructure-building effort. “For Indian cinema to truly compete on a global stage, it is essential to create advanced technology ecosystems within the country,” he said. “Seeing a filmmaker like S.S. Rajamouli utilise our A&M MoCap facility for ‘Varanasi’ reinforces our belief that the future of Indian storytelling will be driven by innovation built at home.”

Brett Ineson On The Collab

Brett Ineson, president and CTO of Animatrik Film Design, added: “We’re incredibly proud to see Animatrik’s motion capture technology powering this landmark facility at Annapurna Studios. Annapurna has long been a beacon of cinematic excellence, and partnering with them and Mihira Visual Labs to bring world-class performance capture capabilities to India is truly exciting. This collaboration represents a significant step in enabling filmmakers and creators to tell more immersive, emotionally rich stories with the highest global standards.”

The launch of the facility coincides with Annapurna Studios celebrating 50 years in the Indian film industry. With the A&M Motion Capture Lab now operational, the studio aims to establish Hyderabad as a premier hub for filmmakers, game developers, and animation studios across Asia seeking performance capture capabilities.

For more news and updates from the entertainment world, stay tuned to Bollywood Bubble.

Also Read:

Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.