NO AI IN FILM; BABIES WERE JUST A PROMOTIONAL GIMMICK, SAY SOURCES
Mumbai - The recent debut of the first look for David Dhawan's upcoming directorial, 'Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai', has been met with a curious disclosure: the unsettlingly rendered toddlers featured in the teaser were a one-off device, specifically created to capture attention, and are not a part of the film itself. The digital infants, which sparked considerable online debate and confusion, were never intended for the final cut. Sources close to the production confirm that the decision to use AI-generated babies was a strategy limited to the initial teaser, designed solely for campaign impact.
The film, starring Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde in what is described as a chaotic love triangle, is now reportedly shifting its promotional strategy. A proper trailer, intended to showcase the main actors and the film's actual content, is expected within the next two weeks. This pivot aims to redirect audience focus from the teaser's controversial element to the movie's core narrative.
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ONLINE STIR OVER DIGITAL INFANTS
The appearance of AI-generated toddlers in the teaser, which dropped on April 14, immediately ignited conversations across the internet. Viewers voiced a spectrum of reactions, from jokes and outright bewilderment to criticism and what some are calling a "cringefest." The use of AI in the teaser prompted accusations of the technology infiltrating Bollywood, with many expressing strong objections to its perceived artificiality in a medium that relies on human performance. This controversy has, to a degree, overshadowed the film's narrative setup, which involves Varun Dhawan's character, Jass, and the initial pairing of Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde.
The initial promotional asset was crafted to generate curiosity. However, its unconventional nature led to widespread online commentary. The backlash intensified, with some critics decrying the move as a sign of "shoddy work" and questioning the filmmakers' choices. The makers now assert that the film itself was shot in David Dhawan's signature commercial style, with actors performing on set, and that no AI has been employed in the actual filmmaking process.
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A STRATEGY UNDER SCRUTINY
The decision to employ AI for the teaser, while now explained as a promotional tactic, has certainly been a talking point. Industry observers have noted that audiences typically pay for genuine experiences with real actors and actual visuals. The jarring and, to some, "kiddish" appearance of the AI babies in the preview, set against a re-created version of the song 'Ishq Sona Hai' from 'Biwi No. 1', contributed to the negative reception.
This isn't the first time promotional choices have stirred debate. Reports also mention Varun Dhawan addressing claims made by an influencer who alleged being pressured to review the teaser, indicating a broader context of scrutiny around the film's initial rollout. The film marks David Dhawan's 46th directorial venture and his fourth collaboration with his son, Varun Dhawan. The release of 'Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' has also reportedly been postponed, though specifics remain undisclosed.
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