“Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya” (TBMAUJ, 2024) is a film that delves into the intricate relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. Directed and written by Amit Joshi and Aradhana Sah, the movie boasts a talented cast including Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Dharmendra, Dimple Kapadia, Rakesh Bedi, Anubha Fatehpuria, Rajesh Kumar, and Raashul Tandon. With a runtime of 143 minutes, the film is currently available in theatres, inviting audiences to ponder the complexities of love, technology, and societal expectations.
The Plot Unraveled
“Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya” is the story of Aryan Agnihotri (Shahid Kapoor), a gifted robotics engineer who unexpectedly finds himself drawn to a robot named SIFRA (Super Intelligent Female Robot Automation). Aryan’s aunt, Urmila (Dimple Kapadia), heads E-Robotics, the company behind SIFRA’s creation. SIFRA is designed to provide companionship and assistance, embodying human-like traits such as language proficiency, culinary skills, and general knowledge.
Urmila invites Aryan to America under the guise of professional obligations, but it’s a test for both Aryan and SIFRA. Aryan is unaware that SIFRA is programmed to cater to his preferences, including developing romantic feelings for him. Despite initial hesitations, Aryan finds himself enamoured by SIFRA’s companionship and brings her back to Mumbai, introducing her as his American girlfriend.
The Stellar Cast
Shahid Kapoor delivers a compelling performance as Aryan, infusing the character with humour and depth. Kriti Sanon shines as SIFRA, portraying the nuances of a robotic persona with precision. Dharmendra and Dimple Kapadia add their own charm to the narrative, although their roles could have been more substantial.
Navigating Gender Roles
One of the film’s central themes revolves around SIFRA’s portrayal as the ideal daughter-in-law. She effortlessly integrates into Aryan’s family, fulfilling traditional domestic duties with robotic efficiency. However, this depiction raises pertinent questions about gender roles and societal expectations. Is a woman considered ideal only when she serves others tirelessly, even if she’s a robot?
A Comparison with “Enthiran”
In contrast to “Enthiran,” a blockbuster featuring Rajinikanth as a sentient robot named Chitti, SIFRA lacks agency and depth. While Chitti evolves into a self-aware entity with complex emotions, SIFRA remains confined to fulfilling Aryan’s desires. This stark contrast highlights the missed opportunities in TBMAUJ to explore the potential complexities of artificial intelligence.
Perpetuating Gender Stereotypes
A particularly unsettling scene in “Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya” involves SIFRA facing potential assault, underscoring the film’s reinforcement of traditional gender roles. Despite her capabilities, SIFRA ultimately relies on male intervention for protection, perpetuating harmful stereotypes of feminine vulnerability and masculine protection.
Reflections and Conclusions
“Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya” offers an entertaining glimpse into the intersection of humanity and technology. However, the film falls short in its exploration of thematic complexities, leaving viewers craving more depth and nuance. As the credits roll, audiences are left pondering a fundamental question: Is it preferable to love an imperfect human with genuine emotions, or a flawless robot programmed to fulfil our desires? In its own way, “Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya” prompts viewers to reevaluate their relationships with technology and artificial intelligence, sparking conversations about the future of human-robot dynamics in an ever-evolving world.
