June 16, 2026, (Inside AI) — The Punjabi film Carry on Jatta 4 has digitally resurrected late actor Jaswinder Bhalla using artificial intelligence, marking a first in Indian cinema. Bhalla died in August 2025 before shooting began. The teaser shows his character as a ghost in a horror comedy, with his son Pukhraj Bhalla performing on set and star Gippy Grewal dubbing the voice, later treated to match Bhalla's tone.
A Digital First for a Beloved Franchise
The film's team faced a tough choice after Bhalla's death. Grewal told Bharti TV they shelved the project at first. Replacing the actor felt wrong. Then they recalled how Paul Walker was digitally finished in Furious 7. But here, the entire character had to be built from scratch. Grewal said, "It has never happened that after someone's death, you create the person via AI."
They first got approval from Bhalla's family. His wife became emotional and said she wanted to see him again. The family heard the full plot before giving the green light. This careful process sets a precedent for ethical AI use in film.
Why AI, Not a Replacement
Grewal explained that Bhalla had been excited about the film before his health declined. He suffered a heart attack and weakened. The team even planned to shoot locally in Mohali to avoid travel. But Bhalla died before production could start. Grewal said, "People suggested that we replace him but that didn't feel right. We even thought of abandoning the film altogether."
Using AI honored Bhalla's legacy. His son Pukhraj performed the physical role, mimicking his father's famous mannerisms. Grewal dubbed the lines, and digital tools altered his voice. This blend of human performance and technology kept the character authentic.
Industry Reactions and Ethical Debates
AI in film sparks global debate. Many fear job losses. But here, the family supported the move. Grewal noted that such technology could let actors' estates earn after death, with proper consent. He stated, "People told me that AI is being misused a lot. This is the first time something right has been done using it."
The film's horror comedy plot uses Bhalla's ghost to pull his sons' legs. Early reactions to the teaser mixed laughter with tears. This emotional pull shows AI's power when used respectfully. Yet questions remain about long-term industry impacts.
Technical Challenges Behind the Screen
Creating a full AI character after death was hard. Unlike Walker's case, no original footage existed. The team relied on past recordings and family input. Grewal admitted, "We created his AI version with great difficulty." The process likely involved deep learning models trained on Bhalla's images and voice samples.
Such tools are advancing fast. But this project stands out for its family-first approach. It avoids the pitfalls of unauthorized digital doubles seen elsewhere. The makers hope it sets a standard for future productions.
The film also stars Gippy Grewal himself. It continues the hit franchise. By blending grief with comedy, it tests how audiences accept AI-driven nostalgia. The full release will reveal if the gamble pays off.
