Legendary South Indian actor B. Saroja Devi dies at 87
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Indian Express
a minute ago
- Indian Express
AI gives ‘happy ending' to ‘Raanjhanaa': Why the film industry needs urgent policy actions
The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike in Hollywood raised questions in India about why similar protections against artificial intelligence weren't being discussed in the Indian entertainment industry. Finally, the re-release of Raanjhanaa's (2013) Tamil remake, Ambikapathy, with an AI-enabled 'happy ending', has stirred a much-delayed debate on the need for a policy framework on the use and scope of AI in the Indian film industry. The fact that one of the first AI-enabled interventions that has captured the box office is not using the technology to enable new storytelling; instead experiments with it without much respect for the original creators' vision is evidence of the age we have already entered. At a time when franchises and remakes rule the roost at the box office, Raanjhanaa portends a dangerous shift if left unchecked by key stakeholders in an industry where many still routinely struggle to safeguard their right to work and artistic integrity, and often fail to secure the basics like fair contracts, credit and safety at the workplace, etc. This is a clarion call to action. Canadian physicist, pacifist, and feminist Ursula Franklin defines technology as 'a way of doing things'. Franklin says technology not only changes our relationships with each other as individuals and communities, but it also reshapes our notions of power and authority. In a capital-led industry where film studios, corporates and tech-led streaming platforms already have considerable power, the lack of an AI action plan can have serious ramifications for the livelihood of lakhs of film workers. Recently, a friend who lost his job had clarity that it happened due to AI-led changes in his sector. Being able to track industry trends over time prepared and enabled him to cope. Many freelance film professionals do the same when the industry is hit by seasonal recessions. Knowing the reason enables them to move to what the industry calls a plan B and not view their inability to get hired as a comment on their talent or ability. AI is already redefining hiring practices in pre-production and post-production in the Indian film industry. AI-generated images, videos and voices are being used to replace the labour of various film professionals. Labour-intensive tasks that took many hours can now be done with drastically smaller teams and budgets. Thus, a data-led policy can empower lakhs of film professionals to strategise and envision their future. Imagine a scenario where a whole film's remake is made through AI-enabled technology. While the stars and a small group of senior technicians might be able to protect their interests (at least legally), the others in the food chain (dubbing artists, junior actors, lyricists, playback singers, musicians, screenwriters) will be forced to deal with the fallout. Not only will many lose employment opportunities, but it can also seriously undermine their right to receive royalties, straddling them with the burden of a long-drawn legal battle they can't afford. Strangely, in this AI-enabled present, the more distinct a style an auteur possesses, the more vulnerable they will be, as distinct styles can be organised into patterns and thus will be more easily picked by LLMs. I have already heard youngsters put up prompts for ChatGPT to generate Gulzar-style lyrics. A casual search of the internet generates enough discussions and Reddit links on AI's capacity to return lyrics just like Gulzar. In a recent interview at the Jaipur Literature Festival (London), screenwriter Anu Singh Choudhary asked Javed Akhtar if AI will be able to write like Salim-Javed or Javed Akhtar? Quick-witted as he is, Javed saheb's response was: 'Lets not be that ambitious.' While the crowd cheered, Javed Akhtar also forewarned that he is only talking about this moment, and things will change in the future. AI, after all, is changing and upgrading everyday. Often, when we speak of AI, we tend to see it as a technology that will impact our future. But perhaps, it is time to mark that future as the present. The future is here; it is happening. The unions in the industry have to start a collective movement to safeguard the interests of their workers. Perhaps the question to ask now is, Arrey oh Samba, kitna data hai? The writer is an academic, writer and filmmaker
Time of India
18 minutes ago
- Time of India
Jr NTR loses his cool during War 2 event in Hyderabad, warns fan to stay silent: 'Shall I leave?'
During the War 2 pre-release event in Hyderabad, Jr NTR addressed a disruptive fan, emphasizing respect during his speech. He also expressed gratitude to Yash Raj Films and humbly responded to comparisons with Hrithik Roshan, praising Roshan's talent and energy. War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji, is set for release during Independence Day weekend 2025. At the much-anticipated War 2 pre-release event in Hyderabad, Jr NTR 's Bollywood debut took an unexpected turn when he firmly addressed a disruptive fan during his speech. Amidst thousands of excited fans celebrating the upcoming action-thriller, the RRR star's sharp warning briefly stole the spotlight. Jr NTR's firm response A video shared on X (formerly Twitter) shows Jr NTR saying, 'Brother, should I leave? What did I tell you? Stay quiet when I speak. It won't take me a second to put down the mic and leave the stage.' Thousands of fans had come to celebrate the RRR star's new project, but the disruption briefly took away the attention. Comparisons with Hrithik Roshan At the event, Jr NTR thanked Yash Raj Films for the opportunity and responded to fans comparing him with Hrithik Roshan after the release of the dance number Janaab-e-Aali. Jr NTR said that comparisons between him and Hrithik Roshan can mislead fans, as their work was not a competition but rather complementary. He praised Hrithik as one of the greatest dancers in the country and appreciated the energy Hrithik brought to the set every day. Jr NTR described the 75 days of shooting as a fascinating experience where he learned a lot and recalled how Hrithik's warm welcome made his Bollywood debut much smoother. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo About War 2 War 2 is an upcoming action-thriller directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Yash Raj Films as part of its growing Spy Universe. The film stars Hrithik Roshan, returning as Kabir, alongside Jr NTR, who makes his much-anticipated Bollywood debut. Known for its high-energy stunts and intense drama, War 2 promises a pan-Indian spectacle. It will release in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil during the Independence Day weekend of 2025. The film features thrilling action scenes, powerful dance numbers like 'Janaab-e-Aali', and a showdown between two strong performers. With high expectations, War 2 is set to compete with Rajinikanth's Coolie at the box office.
Time of India
18 minutes ago
- Time of India
Kamal Haasan's remarks over Sanatan Dharma land him in trouble; receives a death threat from a TV actor
Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan has received a death threat for a TV actor over his recent comments on Sanatana Dharma. His remarks sparked outrage on social media, and soon, that turned into boycott calls. Reportedly, actor Ravichandran has threatened to kill the veteran star over his statements. Kamal Haasan receives death threats from a TV actor According to News 18, in a YouTube interview, Ravichandran called Kamal Haasan a "naive" politician. The actor stated that he would "slit" the latter's throat for his comments against Sanatan. As a result, fans are concerned about the 'Indian 2' star's safety. What exactly happened? Kamal Haasan' statement According to the report, at the 15-year celebration of Tamil star Suriya 's NGO, Kamal Haasan criticised the Centre's over National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The actor, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP now, said, "In this war, only education has the power to change the nation. It's the only weapon that can break the chains of dictatorship and Sanatana." He urged everyone and asked not to pick any weapons, as he feels one cannot win with that. The veteran actor added, "Because you will be defeated by majoritarianism; ignorant majoritarians will defeat you." Consequences of Kamal Haasan's remarks Soon, the Bhartiya Janata Party of Tamil Nadu called for a boycott of films starring Kamal Haasan, even if they are on OTT or in theatres. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo BJP state secretary Amar Prasad Reddy took to social media to share a video in which he said, "Earlier it was Udhayanidhi Stalin, and now it is Kamal Haasan who wants to destroy Sanatana Dharma. Let's teach them a lesson." Kamal Haasan's projects The actor was last seen in the film titled 'Thug Life', directed by Mani Ratnam. The film also featured Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan , Aishwarya Lekshmi, Abhirami, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Nassar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Ali Fazal, Sanjana Krishnamoorthy and Tanikella Bharani. It was released in theatres on June 5, 2025.
