Hollywood vs. Bollywood’s Treatment of AI: A Comparative Narrative Through Two Films

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most #transformative topics of our time, shaping industries and our everyday lives. But as with all global trends, the way AI is depicted, written about, and consumed varies widely across different cultures ??. This diversity in portrayal speaks to the richness of human experience—there’s no single narrative, and AI is interpreted in ways that reflect cultural nuances and societal values.

?

As someone deeply involved in #tech during the day, I’m fascinated by how AI shows up in popular cultural manifestations, such as our cinema. While I enjoy thoughtful, philosophical explorations of AI often characterising Hollywood, I’m also drawn to Bollywood’s (so as not to offend my friends in the film industry-the Indian Film Industry!) colourful and often humorous approach to complex issues. This weekend, I watched two films that stand as proxies for these two cinematic worlds: Her (2013) from Hollywood and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024) from Bollywood. Both films offer wildly different takes on AI, yet each reflects the cultural context in which they were made.

?

Hollywood’s Philosophical Lens: “Her” ???

Spike Jonze’s Her is a deeply reflective film that follows Theodore, a man who forms a bond with an AI operating system named Samantha. The film is minimalistic in its approach, choosing to focus on the quiet, emotional impact of AI rather than big action scenes or futuristic settings. What stands out about Her is how it explores identity, connection, and emotional dependency in a world where technology is increasingly intertwined with human experience.

?

Her asks profound questions about how AI might integrate into our emotional lives. The relationship between Theodore and Samantha isn’t just about human-AI interaction, but about what it means to be human in an age where technology can fulfill deep emotional needs. It’s a quiet film, but it leaves a lasting impression, raising subtle yet important questions about the future of AI and our emotional landscapes ??.

?

Bollywood’s Fun and Vibrant Take: “Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya” ????

On the other hand, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya takes an entirely different approach to AI—injecting humor, music, and classic Bollywood drama into the mix. While the film touches on serious themes about technology and society, it does so with a light-hearted and often funny tone. In typical Bollywood style, the film throws AI into the world of romance, family dynamics, and even some lively dance numbers!

?

The story revolves around a humanoid robot trying to fit into human (Indian!) life, navigating romantic entanglements, and even going through the classic Bollywood "approval process" with families. The film masterfully blends the absurd with the everyday, using AI as a tool to explore human quirks and societal norms. But beneath the humor and charm, there’s a reminder that while AI may be advancing, the more human aspects of life—love, approval, and family—remain as complicated as ever. The film may be filled with laughter, but it also leaves us with a sense of the unpredictable nature of AI in the real world ????.

?

Two Films, Two Cultural Narratives ?????

While it’s impossible to generalize two massive film industries like Hollywood and Bollywood from just these two films, they offer an interesting comparison of how AI is treated in their respective contexts. Her gives us a reflective and philosophical take on AI’s role in emotional life, while Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya provides a funny, vibrant, and sometimes absurd take on how AI might fit into our more colourful, everyday lives.

?

Both films, despite their tonal differences, address one core question: What does AI mean for humanity? While Her takes a quiet, introspective approach, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya dives headfirst into the comedic and dramatic possibilities of human-AI relationships. The cultural narratives are clear—Her asks us to reflect on emotional connections in a tech-driven future, while Teri Baaton Mein reminds us that, no matter how advanced AI becomes, it will still need to navigate the messy, humorous, and complex world of human relationships ?or indeed as is briefly spotlighted, it may even attempt to destroy everything that is dear to us??.

?

What Does This Mean for Society? ????

These two films show us that AI isn’t just a technology—it’s a narrative that will be shaped by the culture that tells its story. While Hollywood’s Her leans towards existential and emotional queries, Bollywood’s Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya offers a more lighthearted, yet equally thought-provoking, look at AI’s potential role in society. Both perspectives are valuable as we consider AI’s future impact.

?

But beyond the laughs and drama, there’s a deeper point: AI’s future is still being written, and we have a responsibility to shape it in ways that meet humanity’s diverse needs. It’s not just about what AI can do for us—it’s about ensuring that AI evolves to serve humanity, rather than turning us into its playthings ????.

?

For those who enjoy reflecting on the future of technology, Her offers a philosophical take on AI’s integration into human emotions. But if you’re looking for a more colorful, culturally rich experience, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya serves as a funny yet poignant reminder that no matter how advanced AI gets, it will still need to pass the "family approval test"—a process as complex and unpredictable as the technology itself.

?

Ultimately, whether you seek cultural insight or future foresight, watching these two films side by side provides a fascinating exploration of how different worlds interpret the same technology. One thing’s for sure: AI, like life, will always have its fair share of complexity, colour, and maybe even a few dance numbers ????.

#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Cinema #HollywoodVsBollywood #TechAndCulture #FutureOfAI #CulturalNarratives #MovieReview #BollywoodAI #PhilosophyAndTech #TechInFilm #AIinSociety