RGV Declares AI Film Tool 'Murderer of Cinema'

In June 2025, ByteDance launched Seedance, a groundbreaking AI video creation tool, which was followed by the more powerful Seedance 2.0 in 2026. This development has sparked significant debate and concern within the global film industry. Indian filmmaker Ram Gopal Verma has dramatically stated that Seedance 2.0 is "the murderer of film industry," viewing AI not as a future threat, but as a present reality that jeopardizes traditional cinema.

Verma argues that Seedance 2.0 democratizes filmmaking by enabling individuals with descriptive prompts to create cinematic scenes at a fraction of the cost and time of blockbuster productions. He contrasts this with the extensive budgets and months-long efforts of filmmakers like S S Rajamouli. However, Verma also acknowledges the potential extinction-level threat AI poses to actors, cinematographers, editors, and numerous other film industry professionals.

While Verma sees Seedance 2.0's potential, Hollywood has reacted with strong opposition. Major studios, including The Walt Disney Company, Netflix, and Warner Bros, have reportedly sent legal notices to ByteDance. The Motion Picture Association has issued cease-and-desist letters, labeling the AI tool a "systemic infringement machine" and accusing ByteDance of training it on copyrighted material. ByteDance has consequently paused the wider release of Seedance 2.0 to implement stricter content filters and legal safeguards.