Veteran writer, director, and producer Hafeez Tahir has strongly criticized the released AI-generated Ainak Wala Jin film, alleging that his iconic creation was used without his permission.
The creator of the beloved 1990s television classic claimed the project distorted the original characters and overlooked his rights as the man behind one of Pakistan's most memorable children's shows.
Hafeez Tahir, the creator, writer, and director of the original Ainak Wala Jin, shared an emotional video message expressing his disappointment over the recently released AI-generated feature film.
Speaking openly about the controversy, he claimed that neither the filmmakers nor Pakistan Television (PTV) sought his permission or involved him in the production, despite the film being based on the world he created decades ago.
According to Tahir, Ainak Wala Jin was entirely his original concept. He said he created the title, developed the story, introduced its unforgettable characters, and directed the television serial, which went on to become one of Pakistan's most successful children's programmes.
He added that the drama generated significant revenue for PTV during its original broadcast and continues to attract millions of viewers on digital platforms, where it still earns revenue for the broadcaster.
Expressing his frustration, Tahir said he was deeply hurt because the film had been made using the name and legacy of Ainak Wala Jin without his knowledge.
He claimed filmmaker Farhan Khan never approached him for permission or consulted him before beginning the project. He also alleged that PTV did not invite him to participate in the production, despite his role as the original creator of the franchise.
The veteran filmmaker also criticized the film's heavy use of artificial intelligence. He argued that the technology had damaged the essence of the classic series instead of preserving it.
According to Tahir, the film altered the appearance of several iconic characters, making them almost unrecognizable. He specifically mentioned Nastoor Jin, saying the beloved character now looked more like a bandit than the magical figure audiences remembered. He also criticized the redesigned appearance of Hamoon Jadugar, claiming that both the visuals and personalities of the characters had lost their original charm.
Tahir further objected to the use of AI-generated voices and music in the film. He said the original soundtrack and character voices played a major role in the success of Ainak Wala Jin, but the new production replaced them with artificial versions that failed to capture the spirit of the classic serial. In his view, the heavy reliance on AI had weakened the emotional connection generations of viewers had with the show.
Calling the project "daylight robbery," Tahir said he had devoted years of his life to creating Ainak Wala Jin and believed his intellectual property had been used without proper authorisation.
He questioned how such a film could be released in cinemas without involving the person who originally conceived and developed the franchise.
The controversy quickly sparked debate on social media, where many users expressed support for Hafeez Tahir's concerns. It also reignited discussions about intellectual property rights, creative ownership, and the growing use of artificial intelligence in film production.