The A&M MoCap Lab at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad began operations after S.S. Rajamouli announced the facility on February 25, 2026. The advanced facility results from a partnership between Annapurna Studios and Mihira Visual Labs which both organizations combined their resources to establish this facility. Hollywood-based technology firm Animatrik Film Design provides the lab’s equipment which has been used in major films like Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: No Way Home.
The A&M MoCap Lab features advanced equipment which includes an Unreal Engine system that enables virtual production previsualization and head-mounted cameras which capture high-definition facial movement. Filmmakers can test camera movement and positioning through virtual environments which enable them to plan their production work before they start filming their main scenes. This method helps filmmakers to decrease their production costs and to minimize their testing activities during their pre-production phase.
The facility launch matters for the Indian film industry because it solves a technological need which has existed for many years. The facility gives local filmmakers access to resources which they could only find in international studios. The lab has already played a pivotal role in the production of Rajamouli’s upcoming film, Varanasi, with key sequences completed on-site. Varanasi features Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran; teaser visuals shown at Ramoji Film City highlighted Mahesh Babu’s character riding an ox and holding a trishul.
The A&M MoCap Lab opening date matches the 50th anniversary of Annapurna Studios which both organizations use to honor their past while advancing Indian cinema through new technological developments.
