Hyderabad, Telangana: In a landmark development for Indian cinema and the AVGC-XR ecosystem, Annapurna Studios has launched India’s most advanced Motion Capture facility – the A&M MoCap Lab – in collaboration with Shobu Yarlagadda’s Mihira Visual Labs and global technology leader Animatrik Film Design.
The facility was inaugurated by acclaimed filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli, marking a defining moment for high-end filmmaking infrastructure in Telangana.
Positioned within Hyderabad’s growing creative-tech landscape, the A&M MoCap Lab eliminates the long-standing need for Indian productions to depend on overseas motion capture facilities. For decades, large-scale Indian films relied on international studios for performance capture, increasing cost and logistical complexity. With this launch, that gap has now been bridged domestically.
Speaking at the event, Mr Rajamouli described the facility as transformative for Indian storytellers.
“India has always had some of the world’s best technicians contributing to major global productions, but what we lacked was an advanced facility right here at home. When I look back at films like Bahubali and Eega, I reminisce how I could have made them even better if I had access to motion capture technology back then in India. With A&M’s Motion Capture technology, that gap has finally been bridged.”
He also revealed that key sequences of his upcoming film Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, were shot at the new facility.
Akkineni Nagarjuna, representing Annapurna Studios, called the lab a milestone in India’s cinematic journey.
“For decades, Indian filmmakers have aspired to tell large-scale stories that match global standards, but access to high-end technology was often a limitation. With A&M, filmmakers can now bring epic adventures and intricate science fiction dramas to life right here in Hyderabad.”
Technically, the lab features a 60ft x 40ft x 30ft capture volume with sub-millimeter optical tracking accuracy and real-time streaming capabilities. It is equipped with Vicon Valkyrie (VK26) cameras, real-time visualization pipelines integrated with Unreal Engine, and high-resolution stereo head-mounted cameras for facial performance capture. The modular setup allows the system to be expanded or deployed on location as required.
Animatrik Film Design – known for contributing to global blockbusters such as Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: No Way Home – brings Hollywood-grade performance capture expertise to the collaboration. Brett Ineson, President & CTO of Animatrik, noted that the partnership enables filmmakers in India to achieve immersive storytelling at global standards.
For Telangana, the launch represents more than a studio upgrade. It strengthens Hyderabad’s position as a leading AVGC-XR hub, supports local talent upskilling, reduces capital outflow to international facilities, and opens avenues for film, gaming, animation, and immersive media collaborations.
As Annapurna Studios marks 50 years of legacy in Indian cinema, the A&M MoCap Lab signals a forward-looking vision – one where world-class storytelling infrastructure is built at home, empowering Indian creators to compete confidently on the global stage.
