Eros Universe announces AI revival of Kochadaiiyaan

Eros Universe has announced an ambitious AI-driven revival of Kochadaiiyaan , marking a major attempt to reintroduce one of Indian cinema’s most experimental films to a new generation of audiences. The studio revealed that it is using its proprietary ErosGenAI tools to restore and reimagine the film, which was India’s first photorealistic performance-capture feature.

Directed by Soundarya Rajinikanth in her directorial debut, Kochadaiiyaan was originally released in May 2014 and featured Rajinikanth in dual roles. The project was widely seen as a technological leap for Indian cinema, blending motion-capture animation with epic historical storytelling.

Eros Universe released a sizzle video, generating strong buzz among fans. The official teaser premiered at 8 p.m. IST yesterday, signalling what the company describes as a fusion of cinematic legacy and modern artificial intelligence.

Set in a fictional medieval kingdom, Kochadaiiyaan tells a story of loyalty, betrayal, and revenge. Rajinikanth played the roles of Kochadaiiyaan, a valiant warrior, and his father Rana, a loyal commander. The narrative follows Rana’s betrayal and execution after palace conspiracies, and Kochadaiiyaan’s journey to avenge his father while navigating court politics and personal sacrifice.

The film also starred Deepika Padukone as Vadhana Devi, the princess and Kochadaiiyaan’s love interest, and featured key characters such as Sengodagan, Rana’s close friend whose ambitions drive much of the conflict. The film’s music was composed by A. R. Rahman , whose orchestral score was widely praised and remains one of the film’s strongest elements.

Despite its scale and innovation, Kochadaiiyaan received mixed reviews upon release, with critics divided over its animation quality and storytelling, even as performances and music drew appreciation. Over the years, however, the film has acquired a cult following, particularly among Rajinikanth fans, for its ambition and mythic tone.

With this AI-powered revival, Eros Universe aims to enhance visuals, refine performance capture, and potentially address some of the technical limitations of the original release. The announcement has reignited interest in the film, positioning Kochadaiiyaan as a rare case where legacy cinema meets next-generation technology.

Industry watchers see the move as part of a growing trend where studios revisit landmark films using AI tools, raising questions about preservation, authorship, and the future of cinematic restoration in India.