A recent adaptation of the epic Mahabharata, titled ‘Mahabharat – Ek Dharmayudh’, is making waves on OTT platforms due to its unique production approach – it’s entirely created using artificial intelligence, eschewing human actors, sets, and physical presence. However, this innovative venture has also drawn criticism for normalizing AI in filmmaking, especially at a time when many in the industry are advocating for its exclusion.
Amidst the debate surrounding AI’s role in creative processes, keen-eyed viewers have spotted what they consider a significant blunder in one of the show’s scenes: the presence of a distinctly modern-looking bedside table in ancient Hastinapur. The scene, which depicts Goddess Ganga with a young child in a palace, appears to have an out-of-place piece of furniture in the background. This anachronism has quickly become a talking point on social media, with users sharing screenshots and humorously commenting on the oversight. One widely shared remark quipped, “Just missing a wireless charger.”
The AI Mahabharata, available on JioHotstar and produced by Collective Media Network, releases episodes every Friday. Despite the criticism and the recent discovery of this production error, the series continues to offer a novel way to experience the timeless stories of the Mahabharata, leveraging cutting-edge AI technology.