At the trailer launch of his upcoming war-period drama 120 Bahadur, actor-producer Farhan Akhtar weighed in on the growing debate around artificial intelligence (AI) in cinema, amid the controversy surrounding the AI-altered re-release of Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor's Raanjhanaa.
When asked about the use of AI to modify creative works, Farhan expressed solidarity with filmmakers whose vision may be compromised.
"Well, I’ll always stand with the creator of the film. And if the creator of the film is unhappy about his or her work being changed, I’ll always support the creator. That’s where my loyalties lie. As for what exactly happened there, I’m not privy to that. But that’s all I can say,” he said, alluding to director Aanand L Rai's criticism of the altered Raanjhanaa ending.
Joining him at the event, co-producer of 120 Bahadur and Excel Entertainment co-founder Ritesh Sidhwani also addressed the broader implications of AI in the industry. "AI is something that we have to embrace and use in the most effective and appropriate way," Ritesh noted.
Drawing parallels with how Google changed the way research was conducted, he added, "I think we need to use AI smartly, don’t get lazy with it. And of course, you can’t use it without the consent of the filmmaker."
What is the controversy?
The controversy in question arose when Raanjhanaa was re-released in theatres with an AI-generated "happy ending" that replaced its original tragic climax. The new version showed Dhanush's character surviving the attack, in contrast to the original where he dies - a move that director Rai and Dhanush both strongly opposed.
While Eros International, the producers behind the AI-altered version, issued a statement calling it a "respectful reinterpretation," the lack of consent from the original creators has sparked a controversy.
