India's Most Advanced MoCap Lab Opens

India's most advanced motion capture facility, the A&M MoCap Lab, has been launched at Hyderabad's Annapurna Studios. This significant development is a joint venture involving Annapurna Studios, Mihira Visual Labs, and Animatrik Film Design, a Hollywood technology partner known for its work on major films.

The new lab aims to close a critical gap in India's filmmaking infrastructure, providing local technicians and filmmakers with world-class motion capture capabilities. Director S.S. Rajamouli expressed that such technology could have enhanced his previous works like 'Baahubali.'

Filmmakers can now realize large-scale projects, from epic adventures to sci-fi dramas, directly from Hyderabad. The facility was utilized for capturing crucial sequences of the upcoming film 'Varanasi,' starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, with positive results reported.

The lab boasts a large capture volume with advanced Vicon cameras for precise tracking and real-time data streaming. It also integrates Unreal Engine for virtual production and specialized equipment for high-resolution facial performance capture. The modular design allows for on-location setup, offering flexibility for diverse production needs.

Annapurna Studios, celebrating its 50th anniversary, plans to offer the facility to both Indian and international filmmakers and game developers. This initiative marks a major step in building advanced technology ecosystems within India, empowering domestic storytelling with global standards.