Ajay Devgn has recently shown the world the first teaser for Bal Tanhaji, which is the project that is completely powered by generative AI of his and Danish Devgn’s Lens Vault Studios (LVS). The movie, which is going to revolve around the life of the great warrior Tanhaji before he became famous, was announced on January 19, 2026, with the aim to develop the Tanhaji universe even further. But, rather than creating a buzz, the teaser was met with huge disapproval on social media, particularly from loyal followers who were looking forward to more conventional ways of telling the story.
Recycling Success or Creative Risk?
After the overwhelming triumph of Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior in 2020, Ajay Devgn signaled the immediate expansion of the historical franchise with Bal Tanhaji as a new ancient soldier. Yet, both fans and critics have come to the conclusion that the use of AI in the creation of the new installment is nothing but an indication of the depletion of creativity and an easier way out instead of the storyline’s evolution. The negative response gained momentum when people from social media highlighted the allegedly uninteresting movie visuals of Bal Tanhaji and wondered whether it brings any worth to Devgn’s collection of films.
A Career in Flux: Underperformers and Audience Expectations
The arrival of Bal Tanhaji criticism is considered to be during a period when the actor Ajay Devgn’s career is already facing a challenge, since the last few movies in which he starred did not perform well at the box office. His main roles from 2020 to 2025, such as Runway 34 and Thank God in 2022, Bholaa in 2023, Maidaan in 2024, and Son of Sardaar 2 and De De Pyaar De 2 in 2025, among others, did not have a good run commercially. The critics are of the opinion that Devgn’s experiments with AI and the above-mentioned projects reflect an inclination towards making increasingly conservative choices based on the past rather than taking risks with bold new ones, thus leaving the audience dissatisfied.
The Role of AI: Innovation or Artistic Compromise?
Ajay Devgn is a veteran of the tech and entertainment merger. His past endeavors with AI-based companies like Prismix, the media company created using AI that won’t be replacing storytellers but redefining the whole process along with formats, tell us the same. The supporters are of the view that the use of AI tools will not only enhance creativity but also make the production process more efficient. The critics, on the other hand, are advising that an over-dependence on AI will lead to the extinction of human artists, writers, and technicians who, by their craft, enrich the whole cinema experience. Some experts in the film industry are of the opinion that in the case of Tanhaji, the use of AI for the whole animated movie might result in the emotional and artistic depth that the audience expects in mainstream Bollywood projects getting diluted.
What This Means for Ajay Devgn’s Legacy?
One of the main themes in the heated response to Bal Tanhaji was the changing audience expectations. A previously very praised actor with strong performances and a wide range of roles is now under the microscope for his creative decisions. Some fans are very excited about the new technical developments and the freedom in the artist’s work, while others think that the artist is gradually moving away from the core of theater and going towards just showing off. This discussion is aggravated by the mixed results of Devgn’s recent films at the box office, therefore creating doubt on whether the actor’s current strategy is to become long-term artistically relevant or just to gather short-term attention.
Innovation, Backlash, and the Future of Devgn’s Cinemacareer
Bal Tanhaji is on the verge of getting released, but it is still an open question what the movie’s influence on Ajay Devgn’s career will be. The movie can be a good catch for those audience members who want to see how AI has been used creatively and what the outcome is. However, the negative response indicates a more extensive discussion in the Bollywood industry regarding the use of technology without compromising art. No matter if this AI trial is to be emulated or avoided, Devgn’s directorial selections will remain a point of interest for both the critics and the fans alike.
