S.S. Rajamouli launches India’s ‘most advanced’ MoCap facility at Annapurna Studios

Filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli on Tuesday unveiled what is being billed as India’s most advanced motion capture and virtual production facility, the A&M Motion Capture Lab, at Annapurna Studios . The facility has been developed in partnership with actor-producer Nagarjuna , producer Shobu Yarlagadda , and Hollywood-based visual effects powerhouse Animatrik Film Design , marking a landmark moment for Indian cinema.

At the launch, Rajamouli revealed that crucial sequences recreating Varanasi for his upcoming mega project Varanasi have already been filmed at the lab. The film stars Mahesh Babu , Priyanka Chopra Jonas , and Prithviraj Sukumaran , and is slated for release on April 7, 2027. Rajamouli said the new technology allowed his team to build the sacred city digitally with extraordinary realism, scale, and emotional depth, delivering results that exceeded expectations.

The A&M MoCap Lab boasts a massive 60-by-40-by-30-foot capture volume fitted with ultra-precise cameras, advanced sensors, and real-time data streaming systems . Integrated with Unreal Engine for live virtual production, the setup enables high-resolution facial capture, detailed body performance tracking, and real-time visualisation, allowing directors to plan complex camera moves, lens choices, and staging long before principal photography. The modular design also allows the entire facility to be dismantled and reassembled on location, offering unmatched production flexibility.

Calling the launch a long-cherished dream, Rajamouli said Indian technicians have long contributed to global blockbusters, but lacked comparable infrastructure at home. He noted that during films like Baahubali and Eega , access to such facilities could have elevated storytelling further, a gap that is now finally bridged.

Nagarjuna described the lab as a milestone in Annapurna Studios’ 50-year journey, reaffirming its commitment to innovation and world-class filmmaking infrastructure. He said the facility would be open to Indian and international filmmakers, game developers, and animation studios, positioning Hyderabad as a major hub for high-end cinematic and virtual production. Industry insiders believe the launch could significantly boost India’s global standing in visual effects, virtual production, and immersive storytelling.