Ainak Wala Jin creator Hafeez Tahir condemns AI remake
Veteran writer and director Hafeez Tahir, the creator of the iconic Pakistani fantasy television series Ainak Wala Jin, has strongly criticised the makers of the recently released AI-generated film adaptation, alleging that his original work was used without his permission.
The AI-based adaptation was released in cinemas earlier this month, prompting Tahir to share a video on Instagram in which he expressed his disappointment and urged the public to spread awareness about what he described as the unauthorised use of his creation. In the caption accompanying the video, he referred to the matter as “daylight robbery.”
Speaking directly to viewers, Tahir asserted that Ainak Wala Jin was entirely his original creation.
“Today I am very angry because my life’s work, Ainak Wala Jin, is being taken and its name is being used in an AI-generated film that has been released in theatres. I’d like to tell you all that this is my idea, my concept, my creation,” he said.
The veteran filmmaker further explained his role in developing the beloved television series.
“I am the concept writer. I created the name, I directed it and made a quality serial,” Tahir stated.
He added that he later sold the rights to a private television channel, which, according to him, continues to benefit from the show’s popularity by attracting millions of views through YouTube uploads.
Tahir also alleged that neither the filmmaker nor the cinema releasing the AI adaptation sought his approval before using the title and concept.
“Neither the filmmaker nor the cinema that released the film sought my permission,” he claimed.
The creator further criticised the heavy reliance on artificial intelligence in the adaptation, arguing that it stripped away the originality and emotional appeal of the classic television series.
“To take a series and base it on AI is to ruin an iconic idea. They’ve changed the appearance of the characters and destroyed them,” he said.
Expressing particular disappointment over the portrayal of one of the show’s most recognisable characters, Tahir added, “My main character, Nastoor Jin, looks like a dacoit here. They have changed the original characters, their voices and replaced them with AI-generated music. In this way, they have ruined such a beautiful idea.”
Concluding his statement, Tahir suggested he may pursue legal action over the matter.
“Now tell me, should we stay quiet or move forward and take legal action?” he asked.
The video drew significant attention online, with many fans supporting Tahir and expressing concern over the use of artificial intelligence to recreate a cherished Pakistani television classic without the creator’s involvement.
Several users criticised the filmmakers for relying on AI, while others said the controversy was upsetting because Ainak Wala Jin remains an important part of their childhood memories. One fan described the series as a defining part of growing up, while another said the situation was “so upsetting.”
Originally broadcast in 1993, Ainak Wala Jin became one of Pakistan’s most popular children’s fantasy dramas. Running for 152 episodes, the series followed Nastoor Jin, portrayed by Shahzad Qaiser, a genie who travels to the human world in search of a cure for his weak eyesight. The show remains one of the country’s most memorable television productions decades after its original release.
