Bollywood

Lowest Phase of Ajay Devgn: Recycling HITS with AI?

Following the massive success of Tanhaji in 2020, Ajay Devgn had repeatedly hinted at expanding the film into a larger franchise. For years, audiences were told that a related project was in development.

Fulfilling that promise, Ajay has now unveiled the first teaser of his upcoming project Bal Tanhaji. The film is entirely AI-generated and attempts to retell the untold story of a boy who later grew into a legendary figure.

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Announced on January 19, 2026, Bal Tanhaji is a generative AI-driven animated film. It is produced by Ajay Devgn and Danish Devgn’s tech and entertainment company Lens Vault Studios (LVS). The film serves as an extension of the “Unsung Warriors” franchise.

Despite being one of the most anticipated Ajay Devgn projects in recent times, the teaser has failed to impress audiences. The backlash has been particularly strong among hardcore fans on social media.

This criticism comes amid what many describe as a difficult phase in Ajay’s career. Following a series of underperforming films, the actor has faced increasing negativity online, largely due to his recent project choices.

Social media users argue that despite having the resources to support fresh and meaningful cinema, Ajay is relying too heavily on past blockbusters. They believe he is recycling old successes into sequels and franchises instead of exploring new ideas.

Between 2020 and 2025, Ajay reportedly delivered several underperformers. These include 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.

Given this losing streak, critics have questioned his continued selection of projects. Many feel these films add little value to his otherwise strong filmography.

The Bal Tanhaji teaser has also been criticised for lacking impactful cinematic frames and innovative storytelling. Some commentators accused Ajay of relying solely on the goodwill of earlier blockbusters.

The use of AI has raised further concerns within the industry. Several insiders warned that such projects could reduce opportunities for human artists and technicians who would otherwise work on traditional films.

Disappointed fans continue to criticise the project heavily on platforms like X. This backlash is expected to influence how the film is perceived by wider audiences.

As Ajay Devgn and his team prepare for the release of this AI-driven spectacle, trade and film analysts are closely watching its impact. The film’s outcome could play a crucial role in shaping the actor’s next phase.

As Ajay Devgn and his team prepare for the release of this AI-driven spectacle, trade and film analysts are closely watching its impact. The film’s performance could prove crucial for the actor’s career trajectory.

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Manaswini K

Manaswini is a senior writer with extensive experience covering Telugu cinema, as well as the broader Indian film landscape, including Bollywood, Tamil, and other regional industries. With a strong focus on NRI (Non-R…

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