From Science Fiction to Science Faction: Interrogating Posthuman Assemblage in Bollywood Science Fiction Film Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya

In an era marked by ever-increasing integration of humans with artificial intelligence (AI), popular culture predominantly Bollywood, functions as a reflective canvas that shapes and mirrors society’s growing reliance on technology. In this context, Bollywood Science fiction film Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya emerges as a significant cultural text that portrays the intricacies of human-AI relationship. The study contextualizes film within the framework of Posthumanism. The study draws from Posthumanist theorist, Stefan Herbrechter’s concept of “Science faction” along with Rosi Braidotti’s posthumanist philosophy, while incorporating the foundational concepts of film theorists, Rosie Thomas’ moral universe and Ranjani Mazumdar’s techno-urbanism. It provides a methodological bridge to examine shifting and evolving paradigms of human-machine relationships within Indian cinema. Employing close textual analysis, the paper argues that the film presents human-AI interaction not as a distant fantasy but as an imminent “Science Factional” appraisal of a near-future reality. By examining a non Western film, the paper offers a localized departure from Western centric AI narratives. It highlights that Bollywood not only reflects society’s technological anxieties but also offers a framework for understanding global technological evolution in a posthuman world, where coexistence of human and AI is mediated through cultural kinship. As Bollywood significantly influence the societal narratives, the analysis of a non Western film contributes to the contemporary discussions about global cinematic portrayal of human-machine relationships as well as Bollywood’s role in shaping these intertwined realities. By blending scientific and fantastical elements, the study provides an ideal platform for exploring Bollywood’s engagement with Science faction and demonstrates how cinematic form interacts with theoretical frameworks, leading to a richer understanding of the evolving posthuman condition.