Acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli has inaugurated the A&M MoCap Lab at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad on February 25, 2026, marking India’s most advanced motion capture facility. The facility represents a watershed moment for Indian filmmaking, bridging a long-standing technological gap that has forced domestic filmmakers to outsource critical visual effects work to international studios.
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A&M MoCap Lab Project Details
The facility is a strategic collaboration between Akkineni Nagarjuna’s Annapurna Studios and producer Shobu Yarlagadda’s Mihira Visual Labs, powered by Hollywood technology partner Animatrik Film Design—the studio behind visual effects for major Hollywood productions including Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Facility Name | A&M MoCap Lab (A&M = Annapurna & Mihira) |
| Location | Annapurna Studios, Hyderabad |
| Inauguration Date | February 25, 2026 |
| Inaugurated By | SS Rajamouli |
| Technology Partner | Animatrik Film Design (Hollywood-based) |
| Co-Developer | Mihira Visual Labs |
| Studio Partner | Annapurna Studios (50th anniversary year) |
| Status | India’s most advanced motion capture facility |
| First Production | Varanasi (SS Rajamouli film) |
| Intended Users | Indian and international filmmakers, game developers, animation studios |
Varanasi Production and Usage
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Film Title | Varanasi |
| Director | SS Rajamouli |
| Lead Cast | Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Prithviraj Sukumaran |
| Key Sequences | Shot at A&M MoCap Lab |
| Production Status | Ongoing; crucial sequences captured |
| Genre | Epic action drama |
| Budget | Substantial (major production) |
| Expected Release | 2026/2027 timeframe |
Rajamouli’s Vision and Statement
Rajamouli’s enthusiasm for the facility reflects his long-standing desire to keep technical innovation rooted within India. In his official statement, he articulated the facility’s significance: “With the introduction of A&M’s Motion Capture technology, that gap has finally been bridged. This will change how Indian filmmakers envision and execute their stories as we will no longer need to outsource.”
The director emphasized how motion capture technology would have enhanced his previous films. “When I look back at some of my previous films like Bahubali, Eega etc., I reminisce how I could have made them even better if I had access to motion capture technology back then in India.”
Regarding Varanasi’s experience at the facility, Rajamouli stated: “I have visited several Motion Capture facilities across the world, but what A&M offers is the perfect blend of precision and performance. We utilized this facility in the making of crucial sequences in Varanasi, and the results were simply fantastic.”
Technological Excellence and Global Partnership
Animatrik’s involvement brings world-class expertise to Indian cinema. Brett Ineson, President and CTO of Animatrik Film Design, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “We’re incredibly proud to see Animatrik’s motion capture technology powering this landmark facility at Annapurna Studios.”
The facility serves as a comprehensive previsualisation tool, enabling filmmakers to experiment with camera blocking, lens choices, camera movements, and frame rates in dynamic virtual environments before principal photography commences. This approach minimizes costly trial-and-error during live shoots while optimizing time and production efficiency.
Historical Context and Continuity
This marks Rajamouli’s second major technological contribution to Annapurna Studios. Previously, he inaugurated India’s first Dolby cinema processing facility at the same studio, demonstrating his consistent commitment to establishing world-class infrastructure within India.
The facility launch coincides with Annapurna Studios completing 50 years in Indian cinema, underscoring the studio’s continued position at the forefront of technological advancement. The studio plans to open the facility to Indian and international filmmakers, game developers, and animation studios, positioning Hyderabad as a potential global hub for motion capture and virtual production.
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FAQs
When was the A&M MoCap Lab inaugurated?
The A&M MoCap Lab was inaugurated by SS Rajamouli on February 25, 2026, at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad.
Who are the partners behind the motion capture facility?
The facility is a collaboration between Annapurna Studios (owned by Nagarjuna), Mihira Visual Labs (producer Shobu Yarlagadda’s company), and Animatrik Film Design (Hollywood-based technology partner).
Was the Varanasi film shot at the motion capture facility?
Yes, key sequences of Varanasi starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas were shot at the A&M MoCap Lab, making it the first production to utilize the facility.
What makes this facility significant for Indian filmmaking?
The facility bridges a long-standing technology gap, allowing Indian filmmakers to create world-class visual effects domestically without outsourcing work to international studios.
Will other filmmakers have access to the facility?
Yes, Annapurna Studios plans to open the facility to Indian and international filmmakers, game developers, and animation studios seeking a production partner in Asia.
