Mukesh Ambani Bets on Neural Networks: Jiostar Streaming to Launch Series Fully Created by AI

The platform’s leadership has decided to fully entrust the production of future series to AI. Neural networks will handle everything—from scriptwriting and animation to voice acting and final editing.

This radical move was driven by the overwhelming success of an experimental project: a fully AI-generated remake of an ancient Indian epic, which convinced executives that AI content can generate massive profits.

The push toward full digitalization on the JioHotstar platform began after the unexpected success of the 100-episode AI series “Mahabharat: Ek Dharmayudh.” The project, which tells the story of the Kurukshetra war between the Kaurava and Pandava dynasties (a central narrative in the sacred Hindu text), recorded 6.5 million views on its debut in October. This was more than double the platform’s average performance.

Sensing opportunity, JioStar has launched a pipeline of AI-driven projects, including:

• The TV series “Makaraj”;
• The feature film “Hanuman,” dedicated to the Hindu monkey god Hanuman from the epic Ramayana;
• A series of ultra-short micro-dramas.

If the plan is fully realized, JioStar will become the first major mainstream film studio in India to fully industrialize AI-generated series production.

The death of budgets and a bet on specialists

The main goal of this initiative is a dramatic reduction in production costs. To scale the process, the media conglomerate plans to expand its workforce by hiring 80 artificial intelligence engineers and specialists.

Leading AI content strategy at JioStar is Stefan Bugay, an experienced and award-winning American screenwriter and producer. His team is currently recruiting new talent at the intersection of technology and filmmaking.

Asian production line vs Hollywood resistance

This approach reflects a tectonic shift in the global entertainment industry. While Hollywood continues to resist AI integration and actors, animators, and directors stage strikes over fears of job displacement and loss of livelihood, Asia is choosing a different path.

Production companies in India and China are rapidly adopting AI to meet the enormous demand of hundreds of millions of viewers who consume vast amounts of short-form video content daily on their smartphones.

Six-fingered warriors: criticism and “AI slop”

Of course, controversy has followed. Some audiences strongly criticized the AI version of Mahabharata, calling it “AI slop,” arguing it lacks soul, human warmth, and genuine emotion despite its visual ambition.

Viewers have actively pointed out technical glitches in the generation process: epic warriors appearing with distorted faces and sometimes six or even seven fingers on their hands.

However, JioStar’s leadership does not see this as a long-term issue. The company considers these glitches temporary growing pains and is betting on future technological improvements that will smooth out imperfections, eliminate the “sloppy” effect, and deliver stable, polished AI-generated content.