Famous for its gorgeous singing and dance numbers and vast production crew, Bollywood has now found himself facing a new kind of sight: artificial intelligence.
From the iconic ending change to the creation of the entire film, AI has shaken up India's multi-billion dollar film industry, bringing more alarms to some and excited others.
The debate first broke out when the producer re-released the 2013 hit Raanjhanaa When the Hindi film was dubbed into Tamil, a Southern language of Indian language in the AI-qualified finale.
The new ending transformed the tragic death finale into a hopeful finale – the main character's eyes saw the flicker open, sparking anger from directors Anand Rai and Star Danush.
They condemned change as a violation of creative rights. “This alternative ending stripped the film of that soul,” Dhanush posted on social media after the new version was released in August.
“Despite my clear objections, the officials proceeded with it,” Dhanush called the use of AI to change the film “deeply concerned with both the art and the artist's precedent.”
“It threatens the integrity of storytelling and the legacy of the film,” he added. Coach Lai said that AI “will definitely not change the future… the past.”
A few days later, the entertainment company Collective Artist Network unveiled India's first fully-generated feature film. Chiranjeevi Hanuman – Forever.
Aiming for release in 2026, the mythical epic aims to combine ancient legends with cutting edge technology for a global audience, telling the story of Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god.
Not all filmmakers were impressed. “So it starts,” wrote filmmaker Vikramaditya Motowane on social media. “When a writer or director is 'made of AI', who do you need it? ”
“Flesh and blood”
The industry is ready for the battle. On one side, there are people who view AI as a cost-cutting disruptor that can replace it with an army of extras and engineers from Bollywood's well-known labor-intensive production.
Meanwhile, there are defenders of artistry, unpredictability and human expression. Some see the opportunity to use AI to boost traditional films. “I don't think AI means there's no flesh and blood,” said director Shakun Batra, who used AI to create a five-part short film series. “The best future is when two skill sets join together.”
However, he argues that technology must complement human creativity rather than negating it. “I am not encouraging AI as an alternative to human efforts in expression,” Batra said. Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, Kapoor & Sons and gehraiyaan.
Veteran filmmaker Shekal Kapoor, classic director of ase Maso, Mr. Indiaand the 1998 film Elizabeth It was nominated for seven Academy Awards and messed up the threat.
He said AI can't replace good storytelling. “The best stories are unpredictable and AI can't handle unpredictability,” he said. AFP. “At this moment, AI can't create great performances on-screen because when you see the big stars of this world, it's their eyes that act, not their faces.”
Kapur said that AI is disruptive only for filmmakers who rely on standard ratios. “If your film is predictable… of course, AI will destroy you,” he added. “Perhaps some kids can do what you're doing somewhere.”
Instead, he said that AI would be at its best and would open the industry to new ideas. “AI is a very democratic technology because it gives opportunities to people who can't get it,” he said. “How many people in India can afford to go to film school?”
“Leveling the stadium”
The emergence of AI will initially hit high-budget films such as superhero movies that “rely rely on action” in the first place, Kapoor said. Kapur is actively integrating AI into his work and is even planning to set up a film school focused on AI in Dharavisram, Mumbai.
“AI empowers creators, leveling out the arenas for independent filmmakers, and even leading to the creation of all-new, AI-generated film stars and characters,” he said.
But filmmakers also point out that the future of film is in the hands of the audience.
Raanjhanaa Director Lai says he was comforted by the support of fans who support the unchanging version, even 12 years after the original release. “The way they responded to AI is much greater than the way I responded,” he said. “It's their films more than my films.”
