Mumbai: Collective Artists Network, India’s leading talent and media powerhouse, has announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft to accelerate the adoption of AI in filmmaking, episodic storytelling, and advertising. The collaboration leverages Microsoft Azure’s advanced AI and cloud capabilities to drive innovation and efficiency across the content creation ecosystem.
At the centre of this partnership is Galleri5, Collective Artists Network’s technology studio, which has adopted Microsoft Azure AI Foundry as its foundational platform. The partnership combines Collective’s creative and production expertise with Microsoft’s AI-driven infrastructure to deliver scalable and secure storytelling experiences across formats.
Collective Artists Network is developing an ambitious slate of AI-driven projects, including Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal, slated for global theatrical release in 2026, and Mahabharat: Ek Dharmayudh, an AI-enabled episodic series to air on television and digital platforms. Additionally, over 40 AI-powered micro-dramas are set to debut across major TV and OTT networks.
Galleri5 AI, the innovation hub within Collective, is building mythology and culture-based AI datasets to reimagine timeless narratives using Azure’s robust cloud infrastructure and AI services. This enables secure, efficient, and scalable storytelling workflows for everything from advertising to cinematic productions.
Earlier this year, Collective introduced Trilok, India’s first AI-powered band, along with virtual influencers Kavya, Radhika, and Kabir, showcasing how technology can merge seamlessly with creativity and culture.
“AI will not just assist filmmaking, it will empower creators with new tools. With Microsoft Azure’s AI capabilities powering Galleri5, we are creating datasets, pipelines, and productions that will support future AI makers — from directors to technicians to actors — from a global content viewpoint,” said Vijay Subramaniam, Founder & Group CEO, Collective Artists Network.
“As Collective Artists Network advances AI-driven filmmaking and advertising, Microsoft Azure provides Galleri5 with the AI and cloud foundation required to explore new possibilities in creativity and storytelling. By combining Azure’s capabilities with Collective’s creative vision, this collaboration will shape new forms of cultural and creative expression powered by AI,” said Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India and South Asia.
