"Indian Stories, Global Impact": SS Rajamouli at Lumikai Insignia

Acclaimed filmmaker and Oscar winner SS Rajamouli captivated audiences at Lumikai Insignia, India's premier summit on interactive media and gaming, joining a distinguished keynote panel that featured global tech leaders, including Cevat Yerli, Raja Koduri, and Abdullah Alorainy from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Sharing his creative journey from early films like Magadheera and Eega to his globally acclaimed blockbusters Baahubali and RRR, Rajamouli explored how a blend of cultural authenticity and cutting-edge technology can drive storytelling. "Belief finds believers," he emphasized, adding, "With faith, we find the right people who help us bring that vision to life." Rajamouli’s pioneering use of high-quality VFX and graphics in Baahubali redefined Indian cinema and established a new benchmark for the industry.

Reflecting on his process, Rajamouli highlighted his commitment to creating stories that remain rooted in Indian culture. “With Baahubali and RRR, every aspect was crafted for Indian audiences, embedding an Indian perspective that resonates beyond borders. When audiences experience quality, they come to expect it. Today’s viewers have incredible access to content globally, so excellence in entertainment is essential,” he said.

The keynote panel also focused on India’s burgeoning interactive media sector, pointing to the country’s young, tech-savvy population as a major driver for innovation in interactive entertainment. The panellists underscored the transformative role of artificial intelligence in storytelling, predicting rapid advancements in AI tools to enhance content creation.

Salone Sehgal, Founding General Partner at Lumikai, praised Rajamouli’s impact on Indian cinema, stating: “Visionaries like SS Rajamouli have paved the way for fusing storytelling with technology, bringing Indian films to the global stage. His insights at Lumikai Insignia were invaluable, especially for founders in interactive media and gaming who aspire to tell authentic stories with universal appeal.”

In tandem with the event, Lumikai unveiled the “Lumikai State of India Interactive Media and Gaming Report 2024.” As the authoritative analysis of India’s gaming industry, the report is frequently referenced by policymakers and industry leaders for guiding strategic decisions within the sector.