The catastrophic failure of YRF’s 2023 film, Pathaan is a stark reminder of what happens when spectacle overwhelms substance in filmmaking. The movie, though visually dazzling in parts, fell flat where it mattered most—believability, emotional engagement, and a coherent narrative. As experts in Generative AI, particularly ChatGPT, we see immense potential in using AI-driven tools to not only enhance the storytelling process but also to transform a film like Pathaan from a forgettable spectacle into a narrative that resonates with its audience on a profound level through the future.
If we had been able to augment Pathaan with ChatGPT during its development phase, we could have completely transformed its script, weaving a story that was far more emotionally engaging, intellectually compelling, relevant, and meaningful. The criticality of well-aligned prompting of Generative AI in storytelling craft cannot be overstated; it is becoming the heartbeat of creativity, driving the narrative forward with purpose and precision. The cadence of prompting ChatGPT—each question, directive, or thematic nudge—must harmonize seamlessly with the meta-knowledge of storytelling craft, from character arcs to plot dynamics.
This intricate dance between thought and action requires not just an understanding of narrative structure but a deep intuitive sense of timing and rhythm. The right prompt, placed at the right moment, unlocks hidden layers of the story, ensuring that it unfolds with believability, emotional resonance, and intellectual depth. In essence, prompting is the silent architect behind the scenes, shaping the story’s journey toward believability, relevance and meaning, while elevating it beyond the ordinary.
Breaking into the Story Idea with ChatGPT
At its core, Pathaan had the potential to be an exciting action thriller, but the foundation of its storytelling was weak. Using ChatGPT in the early stages would have helped break into the story idea more deeply, identifying the core themes and laying a solid groundwork. ChatGPT excels at generating multiple story concepts, exploring character motivations, and identifying potential thematic threads. By inputting key elements—Pathaan as a rogue agent, a looming global threat, and the tension between nationalism and personal ethics—we would have asked ChatGPT to help refine the premise.
It could have surfaced different approaches to the hero's journey: Is Pathaan a man seeking redemption? Or is he battling the demons of his past while being forced to confront the ethical ambiguities of his present? ChatGPT would have suggested various internal and external conflicts, goals, and motivations that could be layered to make the narrative more engaging and compelling. ChatGPT's ability to generate dozens of possible scenarios would help filter out predictable tropes, ensuring that the story has a fresh, innovative hook rather than relying on cliched action sequences.
Enhancing Emotional Engagement with 3-D Characters
One of the major pitfalls of Pathaan was its shallow characterization. The characters, particularly the villain Jim and the heroine Rubina, were underdeveloped and failed to evoke any real emotional investment. By employing ChatGPT during character development, we would have built 3-D characters that were multi-dimensional, with real emotional depth. ChatGPT’s deep knowledge of character archetypes and psychology could be used to brainstorm character backstories, motivations, and flaws, making each character’s journey resonate with the audience.
Imagine a version of Jim where his descent into villainy isn’t just a product of a standard betrayal but rooted in complex emotions of loss, ambition, or revenge that are mirrored by Pathaan’s struggles. ChatGPT could also have been used to explore alternate dynamics between Pathaan and Rubina, making their relationship more than just superficial flirtation. Instead of a romantic angle that feels forced, perhaps the AI could suggest a mentor-protégé relationship, or even make Rubina a mirror to Pathaan’s moral dilemmas, creating real emotional stakes and tension.
By simulating dialogue through AI, ChatGPT could have crafted conversations that felt authentic, relevant, and layered with subtext, ensuring that each interaction between the characters furthered the emotional depth and the plot.
Structuring a Logical and Intellectually Compelling Plot
One of the most glaring issues with Pathaan was its incoherent and often ridiculous plot progression. With ChatGPT, this could have been avoided by structuring the narrative more logically. ChatGPT’s pattern recognition and logic processing can identify plot holes, flag inconsistencies in the script, and suggest more cohesive sequences of events.
For instance, instead of random action set pieces that felt out of place, ChatGPT could have assisted in organizing them around key emotional beats and character arcs. Why does Jim want to destroy Pathaan, and what drives him to make such drastic decisions? What if there were more nuanced layers of betrayal, where Pathaan’s ethical dilemmas mirror Jim’s fall from grace?
With ChatGPT generating possible twists and turns, the plot could have unfolded with more tension and emotional weight, leading to a climactic face-off that felt earned rather than just another action sequence. ChatGPT's ability to consider various narrative possibilities could have ensured that the story’s internal logic remained consistent, and its themes were explored to keep the audience intellectually engaged.
Crafting a Resonating Theme and Meaning
Perhaps the greatest missed opportunity of Pathaan was its failure to leave the audience with any meaningful takeaway. The film’s potential to explore timely and relevant themes—nationalism, personal ethics, the costs of loyalty—was buried beneath the shallow veneer of action tropes. ChatGPT, when integrated into the writing process, can assist in pinpointing and refining thematic elements that give the narrative greater depth and universal appeal.
For example, ChatGPT could have helped craft a narrative around the conflict between duty to one’s country and personal morality, posing difficult questions about the sacrifices we make for the greater good. It could have woven in subtle allegories or moral quandaries, using Pathaan’s journey to reflect contemporary political and social issues in a way that feels natural, not forced.
Moreover, by analyzing what resonates with audiences across various cultures, ChatGPT could have ensured that these themes were not only relevant to Indian audiences but also globally resonant, making the film more meaningful on an international stage.
Elevating Storytelling Craft with AI
Had ChatGPT been part of the scriptwriting journey for Pathaan, the film could have transformed from an incoherent spectacle to a gripping narrative filled with emotional depth, logical structure, and a resonant theme. The AI would have acted as an invaluable tool throughout the creative process—enhancing character development, refining plot structures, and ensuring that the story not only entertained but also made the audience think, feel, and reflect.
At its core, storytelling is about connection—connecting characters, and the audience with the world being built on screen. ChatGPT is an incredible ally in ensuring that every step of the narrative development process stays true to that goal. Had it been employed in Pathaan, the film could have been remembered not for its hollow spectacle but for its storytelling craft—leaving a lasting impact on its audience, both emotionally and intellectually.
Enhancing Every Stage of Filmmaking with Storytelling Craft
Pathaan was a film packed with high-octane action and an all-star cast, yet it failed to engage audiences on a meaningful level. Through the use of ChatGPT, filmmakers could have significantly augmented every aspect of the production, from the initial scriptwriting process to the final marketing push. By integrating AI at key stages of filmmaking—script breakdown, pre-production, principle photography, editing, sound, background score, mixing, and release—Pathaan could have transformed into a project driven by both visual spectacle and impeccable storytelling craft. Below, we explore how ChatGPT could have been employed in each of these stages to elevate the film into a memorable and impactful cinematic experience.
1. Script Breakdown: Story Enhancement and Character Deepening
Once the initial script is written, the script breakdown process begins, where every scene, character arc, and narrative thread is analyzed to ensure coherence and emotional engagement. This stage provides the perfect opportunity to integrate ChatGPT for fine-tuning the storytelling elements.
In Pathaan, one of the major issues was the underdeveloped characters and disjointed scenes that disrupted the narrative flow. Using ChatGPT, the filmmakers could have broken down the script and generated additional layers of complexity for each character, ensuring that their motivations, conflicts, and relationships were clear and compelling. AI can also help identify plot inconsistencies, suggesting adjustments that can lead to a more seamless narrative progression. For instance, Pathaan’s lead villain Jim could have been more multifaceted if AI-driven insights were applied to explore his backstory and align his actions with more powerful internal goals.
ChatGPT could also offer alternative dialogue suggestions and deepen subtext during pivotal character moments, ensuring every exchange is rich with emotional weight and purpose. This would have transformed shallow, surface-level character interactions into nuanced exchanges that resonate with the audience.
2. Pre-Production: AI-Driven Creative Planning
Pre-production is the backbone of any film, and ChatGPT could have played an integral role during this phase to optimize creative decision-making. At this stage, the AI could assist the filmmakers in visualizing complex scenes, analyzing various narrative possibilities, and enhancing creative choices with well-grounded storytelling strategies.
In Pathaan, pre-production could have greatly benefitted from ChatGPT’s ability to generate multiple variations of storyboards, helping directors and writers see how each scene might unfold. AI could analyze the pacing of action sequences, offering solutions for balancing tension with narrative depth, so action scenes wouldn’t feel isolated from the emotional or thematic arcs of the story. For instance, the film’s climactic Pathaan vs. Jim fight could have been revised to incorporate more of the emotional stakes driving their conflict, rather than just relying on visual spectacle. ChatGPT could also help with improving the placement of quieter moments, allowing for more emotional breathing space between action-packed sequences, and ensuring that the audience remains engaged throughout.
3. Principal Photography: Optimizing Scene Execution with AI Insights
Principal photography is the moment when the script transitions into the visual medium, and AI can significantly influence the efficiency and storytelling impact of the production. During shooting, ChatGPT can function as a real-time creative assistant for directors, providing scene-by-scene insights and ensuring that the storytelling vision is captured accurately on screen.
In Pathaan, some scenes feel campy and tonally inconsistent, such as the sequence where Pathaan finds Rubina in a pool with Jim lurking in the background. ChatGPT could have suggested alternate staging options, flagging moments that risk becoming unintentionally comical. It could assist with refining the dialogue delivery or blocking, ensuring each shot captures the necessary emotional intensity without veering into melodrama.
ChatGPT can also help fine-tune pacing during principal photography by identifying scenes that could benefit from tighter execution or additional takes to ensure the proper emotional tone is struck.
4. Editing: Crafting a Seamless Narrative
Editing is the stage where a film truly begins to take shape, and it is crucial for ensuring that the story flows cohesively. ChatGPT, with its natural language processing capabilities, could assist editors by analyzing each cut and suggesting improvements to the pacing and structure of the narrative. It can also simulate audience responses to different edits, offering insights into which sequences resonate best and which scenes require trimming for clarity.
In the case of Pathaan, much of the fight choreography and action set pieces could have been improved during the editing stage. AI could have identified the scenes that dragged or felt disjointed and suggested more dynamic transitions to maintain narrative momentum. ChatGPT’s assistance could also extend to identifying thematic throughlines in the footage, ensuring that the film’s message and emotional beats remain consistent from start to finish.
5. Sound Design: Elevating the Emotional Impact
Sound design is a critical aspect of filmmaking that can deeply influence the viewer’s emotional engagement. With ChatGPT, sound designers can optimize the placement of audio cues to enhance the storytelling craft, adding another layer of immersion.
For Pathaan, sound design could have been more than just a backdrop to the action sequences. By using ChatGPT’s suggestions, key moments of silence could have been strategically placed to heighten tension, while emotional scenes could have been punctuated with soundscapes that evoke empathy and suspense. AI can identify where sound design can be employed to underscore emotional beats, ensuring that each audio cue contributes to the overall atmosphere and helps shape the narrative in subtle, powerful ways.
6. Background Score and Music: Storytelling through Sound
The background score is often the heartbeat of a film, setting the emotional tone and amplifying the storytelling. ChatGPT can be used to generate music ideas and suggest how different musical motifs can represent specific characters or themes throughout the film. By analyzing the narrative arc, the AI can help composers develop a score that not only enhances each scene but also reinforces the overarching message of the film.
In Pathaan, a more cohesive musical journey could have been crafted with ChatGPT’s assistance. Instead of generic action-themed music, ChatGPT could have suggested recurring motifs tied to Pathaan’s internal struggles or Jim’s motivations, allowing the music to act as a subtle yet powerful storytelling tool that elevates key scenes.
7. Sound Mixing: Perfecting the Sonic Experience
Sound mixing is the stage where all audio elements—dialogue, sound effects, and music—come together to create a cohesive auditory experience. ChatGPT could assist sound mixers in ensuring that no element overpowers another and that each component is mixed in a way that complements the story.
For Pathaan, where action-heavy sequences often drowned out more subtle emotional beats, ChatGPT could have flagged moments where dialogue needed to be more pronounced or where sound effects should take a backseat to allow for a quieter, more introspective moment.
8. Marketing and Release: Crafting a Story-Driven Campaign
Finally, ChatGPT could have played a critical role in shaping a marketing campaign that highlighted Pathaan’s storytelling strengths rather than relying solely on star power or visual spectacle. AI-generated marketing strategies could target audiences who appreciate narrative depth and character-driven action films, with ChatGPT helping to craft compelling taglines, trailers, and promotional content that emphasizes the emotional core of the film.
Instead of misleading trailers that focus on generic action, ChatGPT could have crafted story-driven previews that highlighted Pathaan’s internal dilemmas, his relationships, and the larger thematic message of the film, encouraging audiences to engage with it on a deeper level.
Conclusion: Revolutionizing Filmmaking with ChatGPT
Incorporating storytelling craft is not just about breaking into the story idea and carrying it through scriptwriting—it permeates every sliver of the filmmaking value chain with profound impact. From the inception of the premise and theme, storytelling becomes the DNA that feeds character development, shaping each dimension with authenticity and depth. It molds how the narrative is plotted, ensuring that meaning isn’t just delivered but organically emerges through carefully constructed arcs and scenes. This craft influences every choice—how the actor interprets and becomes the character, inhabiting their soul and embodying their journey with conviction. It plays a decisive role in the editing room, where the pacing, sequence, and rhythm are meticulously refined to evoke the intended emotional resonance.
The background score is not merely a soundtrack but a narrative tool that amplifies the meaning, making it "pop" in every scene, sequence, and act. When storytelling craft is woven into every aspect of the filmmaking process, from inception to post-production, it transforms the film into a cohesive and compelling experience—an experience that speaks to the audience on every level, intellectually, emotionally, and viscerally. Imagine the transformative power of augmenting the storytelling craft with advanced tools like ChatGPT, to create films that linger and resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
In every stage of the filmmaking process—from script development to marketing—ChatGPT could have revolutionized Pathaan by ensuring that story and storytelling craft remained at the forefront. By enhancing character development, refining plot structures, optimizing pacing, and ensuring emotional resonance, the AI would have transformed Pathaan into a film that captivated not only through action but also through compelling, meaningful narrative craft. With its potential to elevate every aspect of filmmaking, ChatGPT, Generative AI stands as an invaluable sidekick for directors, writers, and producers aiming to create films that engage audiences both emotionally and intellectually. No AI will not be replacing humans in any field yet. But people who augment their expertise/skills with AI will be replacing those who don't soon. So it is only prudent to learn how to incorporate how to integrate Generative AI into your storytelling craft in filmmaking.
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