From Gulzar, Javed Akhtar to Zoya: Bollywood depends on AI rules for Oscars 2027
Indian screenwriters and filmmakers have reacted after the Academy announced new AI rules for the 2027 Oscars. Responses revealed support for protecting human creativity, as well as warnings that AI remains a limited tool.
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 to it.
Following the announcement of major rule changes for the 99th Academy Awards in 2027, several voices from the Hindi film industry including veteran lyricist Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, directors Zoya Akhtar and Juhi Chaturvedi came forward. Hindustan Timeshave responded to new guidelines that place human creativity at the center of eligibility.
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The updated rules specify that scripts must be written by humans, not chatbots, and acting performances must be performed by individuals with their consent.
The development has generated a mix of strong support and measured skepticism within the industry, with major names considering what the changes could mean for storytelling and authorship.
Veteran lyricist and filmmaker Gulzar, who won an Oscar Be victorious From Slumdog MillionaireThe emphasis on human emotion was welcomed. He said, “Human emotions are universal, and that’s what great cinema represents. In the past, we have had some amazing films from India that missed the Academy Awards, but highlighting human beings and their emotions is the right thing to do.”
Gulzar said that he would like to see films like my dear prime minister And splash Represent India at the Oscars.
Screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar offered a particularly sharp perspective. “That makes sense. In the Olympics, humans don’t race against racing cars. Do they?” He said, underscoring the difference between human effort and machine assistance.
Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar stressed the need for domestic security measures, saying she would like to see similar measures implemented in India. He said, “Absolutely. The writing, the songwriting and the musical composition need to be preserved.”
For screenwriter Juhi Chaturvedi, known for films like Piku And Madras CafeThe academy’s move acknowledges the deeply personal nature of writing.
“Writing is the sum total of life lived – experiences that inspire you to explore the unknown. Words breathe life into an abstract idea. You put what you cry and laugh into your work – that’s the human quality in cinematic writing. AI is fed, not lived, so it’s an important decision,” she said.
However, not everyone sees an urgent need for regulation. Screenwriter and lyricist Niren Bhatt, known for Munjya And woman 2argued that AI remains a limited tool. “Currently, AI can best assist with basic tasks.
The ideas that arise from this are often derivative and lack depth. Any experienced writer can look at AI-written content – it looks repetitive and uninspiring. I don’t think such rules are necessary at this time,” he said, adding that the conversation could only evolve as more advanced forms of AI emerge.
The responses reflect wide divisions within the industry. The 99th Academy Awards are scheduled to be held on March 14, 2027, with nominations to be announced on January 21, 2027.