The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has drawn a clear line on artificial intelligence (AI) and Indian film writers and filmmakers are paying close attention.
Following the announcement of major rule changes for the 99th Academy Awards in 2027, several voices from the Hindi film industry, including veteran lyricists Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, director Zoya Akhtar and Juhi Chaturvedi, speaking to Hindustan Times, have responded to new guidelines that place human creativity at the centre of eligibility.
The updated rules specify that screenplays must be written by humans, not chatbots, and that acting performances must be demonstrably carried out by individuals with their consent.
The development has sparked a mix of strong support and measured scepticism within the industry, with leading names weighing in on what the changes could mean for storytelling and authorship.
Veteran lyricist and filmmaker Gulzar, who won an Oscar for Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire, welcomed the emphasis on human emotion. “Human emotion is universal, and that is what great cinema represents. In the past, we have had some wonderful films from India that missed out on an Academy Award, but highlighting human beings and the emotions they represent is the right thing to do,” he said.
Gulzar added that he would like to see films such as Mere Pyare Prime Minister and Chhapaak represent India at the Oscars.
Screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar offered a characteristically sharp take. “It is understandable. In the Olympics, humans don’t race against racing cars. Do they?” he said, underlining the distinction between human effort and machine assistance.
Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar echoed the need for safeguards closer home, saying she would like to see similar measures implemented in India. “Absolutely. Writing, songwriting and music composition need to be protected,” she noted.
For screenwriter Juhi Chaturvedi, known for films like Piku and Madras Cafe, the Academy’s move acknowledges the deeply personal nature of writing.
“Writing is the sum total of a life lived – experiences that push you to explore the unknown. Words breathe life into an abstract idea. You pour what you have cried and laughed about into your work – that’s the human quality in cinematic writing. AI is fed, not lived, so this is an important decision,” she said.
However, not everyone sees an immediate need for regulation. Screenwriter and lyricist Niren Bhatt, known for Munjya and Stree 2, argued that AI remains a limited tool for now. “At present, AI can assist with basic tasks at best.
The ideas it generates are often derivative and lack depth. Any experienced writer can spot AI-written material – it tends to feel repetitive and uninspired. I don’t think such rules are necessary at the moment,” he said, adding that the conversation may evolve only if more advanced forms of AI emerge.
The reactions reflect a broader divide within the industry. The 99th Academy Awards are set to be held on March 14, 2027, with nominations scheduled to be announced on January 21, 2027.
