Web Desk: Veteran television director Hafeez Tahir, the creator of Pakistan’s iconic children’s fantasy series Ainak Wala Jin, has criticised the production of an AI-generated film based on the franchise, alleging it was made without his authorisation and suggesting the concept deserved an officially backed international remake instead.
In a video shared on Instagram, Tahir expressed disappointment over the project, arguing that artificial intelligence had been used to produce a low-quality adaptation that failed to preserve the spirit of the original series.
Tahir said Ainak Wala Jin was his original creative work, noting that he conceived the concept, wrote the story, named the series and directed its production for Pakistan Television (PTV).
He said the drama became one of PTV’s most successful children’s programmes, attracting a large audience and generating substantial commercial value for the state broadcaster.
According to Tahir, neither the filmmaker behind the AI-generated movie nor PTV, which served as the project’s media partner, sought his permission or invited him to contribute to the production.
The veteran director argued that the filmmakers relied heavily on artificial intelligence without consulting the original creator, resulting in what he described as an inferior production.
He said the appearance of several well-known characters had been altered in ways that failed to reflect the original designs, singling out the character Nastoor Jin as an example.
Tahir also criticised the film’s voice work and soundtrack, saying AI-generated audio had diminished the overall quality of the production.
While criticising the AI adaptation, Tahir said the franchise still holds significant potential for modern audiences if professionally reimagined.
He suggested that PTV could collaborate with streaming giant Netflix to develop an official remake of Ainak Wala Jin, adding that he would have welcomed the opportunity to contribute his creative input to such a project.
According to Tahir, a properly produced adaptation backed by experienced creators could introduce the classic series to a global audience while preserving its original identity.
Ainak Wala Jin aired on Pakistan Television between 1993 and 1996 and became one of the country’s most recognizable children’s comedy-fantasy dramas.
The series gained a devoted following among both children and adults, with its memorable characters and imaginative storytelling cementing its place as one of Pakistan’s most enduring television productions.
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