Kannada film Lambodhar 2.0 will feature a real humanoid robot named Jia, a first for Indian cinema. Directed by Simple Suni, the movie also marks Kunal Kapoor's Kannada debut. Suni said, “JIA is the actor.” The film explores artificial intelligence and social media, with shooting already wrapped since January.

Kannada film Lambodhar 2.0 will feature a real humanoid robot named Jia, a first for Indian cinema. Directed by Simple Suni, the film also marks Kunal Kapoor's Kannada debut.

What if a robot actually got a role in a movie? That’s exactly what Kannada cinema seems to be trying with Lambodhar 2.0. The Simple Suni directorial has an interesting cast, including Bollywood actor Kunal Kapoor, who is making his Kannada debut.

The film also stars Anil Shetty, Saachi Bindra, Mac D’Souza and Meghana Gaonkar. But there’s one cast member who is definitely unlike anyone else. It is Jia, a real humanoid robot. Jia has been developed by Bengaluru-based Machani Robotics. Director Simple Suni recently introduced the robot on Instagram, sharing a picture of Jia with the film’s actors.

Suni claims this is the first time in Indian cinema that a real humanoid robot has been used to play a character on screen. And no, Jia isn’t just a CGI creation or a human actor dressed up as a robot. In his Instagram post, Suni wrote, “Meet JIA — a humanoid robot developed by Machani Robotics in Bengaluru. For the first time in Indian cinema, a real humanoid robot plays a character on screen in Lambodhara 2.0. JIA isn’t CGI. JIA isn’t an actor playing a robot. JIA is the actor. Welcome to the future of Indian cinema."

Lambodhar 2.0 is being described as an AI-driven social thriller that looks at Gen Z, social media and the way technology has become such a big part of everyday life. According to the latest update from news agency ANI, the film also explores artificial intelligence, youth and the constantly changing digital world.

The makers have described the film as a socially relevant, high-concept thriller that they hope will connect with today’s digitally connected audience. The synopsis states, “Positioned as a socially relevant, high-concept thriller, Lambodhara 2.0 aims to strongly resonate with today’s digitally connected generation."

The film went on floors in January and has already wrapped its shoot under Suni’s direction. Apart from Jia, Kunal Kapoor’s Kannada debut is another interesting part of the project.

The makers have not announced a release date for Lambodhar 2.0 yet.