AI can empower creators to craft stories in inventive ways- says Jackky Bhagnani

 The actor-producer adds that while technology can streamline filmmaking, it cannot replace artistic creativity
A few days ago, with the release of the trailer for India’s first AI-powered film featuring virtual stars, debates have resurfaced about whether AI could eventually replace human creativity. While AI is widely used in movies for de-aging and portraying younger versions of actors, this is the first time virtual heroes are being experimented with in a mainstream film.

“We will have to wait and see if such experiments succeed. In filmmaking at the moment, AI-powered tools are used for tasks like scheduling shoots, managing pre-production arrangements, organising data and handling post-production and VFX work.
AI effectively supports filmmakers throughout the process. There are also tools that can analyse datasets of successful films, suggest plot twists, and even help overcome writer’s block. However, I believe over-dependence on AI tools will eventually impact genuine human creativity,” says actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani.

He adds that scriptwriters and writer-directors should focus on creating genuine, organic stories with depth and soul. “Machines lack emotions, and that is where humans have the upper hand. Can any machine capture the heartfelt moments that we saw in ‘Laapataa Ladies,’ beautifully reflecting the essence of rural India and its raw, rooted characters? Machines can’t do that. That’s why I strongly believe that filmmakers should continue to explore novel and fresh themes or identify plots that the audience can easily connect with,” says Jackky.

According to him, the same logic applies to music. “We know there are various AI tools capable of producing music like a professional. It is fine if a human suggests a tune and the machine generates sound, but what happens if someone completely relies on AI to create music? Can you ever imagine a machine composing a soulful melody like the ones created by Naushad, RD Burman and AR Rahman?   AI tools work best as assistants, not as the masters of your creativity,” adds Jackky.

Talking about his own company Jjust 360, he says, it would be interesting to see how AI tools can augment the work they do by enhancing human creativity. “My personal take is that AI tools, only when used judiciously, can serve as valuable assets to save time and cost,” concludes Jackky.