Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has drawn a parallel between the Industrial Revolution and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), warning that while machines once replaced physical labour, AI could increasingly replace jobs dependent on human thinking and creativity.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Varma said technology had historically been developed to make life easier, reduce physical hardship and save time spent on mundane tasks. He argued that AI could now take this trend much further by eliminating the need for humans to perform an increasing number of intellectual tasks.
“With AI, the first jobs to vanish will be of those who immediately don’t embrace it,” Varma wrote, adding that humans traditionally relied on two key assets — “the muscle” to perform tasks and “the mind” to think and create.
“The Industrial Revolution started erasing physical jobs and now AI is erasing our minds,” he said, warning that humanity could eventually be left without either physical or intellectual work.
Varma referenced the famous caution from W.W. Jacobs’ short story The Monkey’s Paw: “Beware of what you wish for… it might come true,” suggesting that the desire for more free time could have unintended consequences in the age of AI.
Known for his gritty realism and technical approach to filmmaking, Varma has directed movies across multiple genres and is regarded as one of the pioneers of new-age Indian cinema.
He is currently working on Police Station Mein Bhoot, starring Manoj Bajpayee and Genelia Deshmukh. He is also developing Police Company, featuring Harshvardhan Rane. Announcing the latter last month, Varma described its tagline as “It Is More Dangerous Than D Company”.
Varma said the film explores how an institution can transform into a profit-driven organisation when given excessive powers. The filmmaker has said the story is inspired by a squad associated with Mumbai Police officer Daya Nayak, whose role will be played by Rane. He added that the film has a large ensemble cast, details of which will be announced later.