Entertainment

The Challenges of the Viral ‘Ghibli’ Trend on Creativity and Core Values

Published

1 year ago

March 28, 2025

Over the last 24 hours, social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram have been inundated with a wave of ‘Ghibli’-inspired images. From reimagined live-action films to snapshots of everyday life, these creations seek to capture the distinct aesthetic of Studio Ghibli. While these visuals may seem enchanting and whimsical, they also raise significant concerns. As a transitory trend, they risk diminishing the unique creative vision and storytelling approach that Studio Ghibli and its collaborators are known for, overlooking the specific reasons behind the studio’s use of certain artistic elements to evoke emotional responses.

### Studio Ghibli: An Artistic Reflection of Culture and Thought
Studio Ghibli, one of the leading animated studios based in Tokyo, Japan, was established in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki. The studio has produced a remarkable array of films, including ‘Spirited Away,’ ‘Howl’s Moving Castle,’ ‘My Neighbor Totoro,’ and ‘Princess Mononoke.’ Each film serves as an invitation for viewers to engage in dialogue about pressing societal issues, all while immersed in a surreal artistic landscape.

The films are meticulously crafted over several months, showcasing intricately hand-drawn art that weaves together compelling narratives. By transporting audiences into fantastical realms teeming with creativity, Ghibli movies allow viewers to experience profound emotional journeys. A notable feature of these films is the presence of strong, young female protagonists who assert their agency and carve out their place in a complex world.

In his storytelling, Miyazaki harnesses the power of fantasy to articulate his ideals and express his disconnect from societal troubles. Through vivid colors and forms, Ghibli films reflect the creators’ deep appreciation for Japanese culture, their opposition to institutionalized warfare, and a call for environmental preservation. For instance, ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ serves as a poignant critique of the United States’ invasion of Iraq, while ‘Spirited Away’ beautifully revives Japanese folklore, stirring discussions about capitalism and child labor.

### The Viral Ghibli Trend Sparked by OpenAI’s ChatGPT
In recent hours, the internet has been alive with images that echo the iconic style of Studio Ghibli. Characterized by pastel hues, soft lines, and a nostalgic atmosphere, these AI-generated images capture the essence of the studio’s carefully crafted visuals. OpenAI’s new image-generating tool requires only a few prompts to produce desired outcomes, and users are leveraging it to recreate stills from popular media, self-portraits, and anything else that sparks their imagination in a Ghibli-like style. Prompts such as “Transform photos into Studio Ghibli-inspired characters, focusing on detail and whimsy,” and “Can you Ghiblize my photo?” are trending among users. Notably, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has even updated his profile picture to a Ghibli-style version of himself.

It’s a curious phenomenon—scenes from Bollywood films reimagined in the Ghibli aesthetic—that no one specifically requested.

### Hayao Miyazaki’s Stance Against AI
Filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki has long championed the importance of human artistry. He believes that artistic visuals should be crafted by hand, and his discontent with artificial creations is clear. In a 2016 documentary, he expressed his strong aversion to AI in art, stating, “I am utterly disgusted… I would never wish to incorporate this technology into my work. I feel it is an insult to life itself,” concluding with a grim reflection on humanity’s faith in itself.

### The Issues Surrounding the Viral Trend
While this trend may simply seem to amuse users, it is not without drawbacks. As individuals worldwide envision themselves through the lens of Studio Ghibli, it erodes the authenticity of the studio’s artistic vision. Furthermore, it disrespects the sentiments of the artists and creators who have developed this style over decades, reducing their efforts to mere seconds of AI output. Alongside a growing discontent from Ghibli fans, this trend poses broader questions about the implications of AI on the future of artistic creation.

Entertainment

Rakhi Sawant Sends Love to Hania Aamir after Cameo in ‘Pablo’

Published

18 hours ago

September 13, 2026

Namma Kudla

Entertainment : Indian actor and television personality Rakhi Sawant recently made a special cameo in Pakistani actor Hania Aamir’s debut music video, Pablo.

The collaboration brought together artists from India and Pakistan. Following her appearance in the video, Rakhi shared a post on Instagram expressing her love and admiration for Hania.

Rakhi is seen wearing a pink gown and dancing to the song in the music video. She also sent a warm message to Hania and praised her beauty.

Pablo marks Hania Aamir’s debut as a rapper. She has written and composed the track herself. The song reflects on the criticism she has faced in her career.

In the track, Hania addresses comments about her appearance and personality. She responds to those who call her “fake” or say that she is too guarded. Through the song, she asks her critics to respect her choices and allow her to live life on her own terms.

Towards the end of the video, Rakhi appears through a voice message. She encourages Hania to stay positive and ignore negative comments.

Rakhi also praises Hania’s beauty and tells her not to worry about criticism. Her appearance adds a special touch to the music video.

Hania Aamir is one of Pakistan’s popular television and film actors. She began her acting career with the 2016 film Janaan.

She later appeared in several successful projects, including Titli, Visaal, Mere Humsafar and Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum.

Her recent television appearance was in Meri Zindagi Hai Tu. In 2025, she also starred alongside Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa in Sardaar Ji 3.

Entertainment

‘Banana Botox’ Goes Viral: Adah Sharma Tests the Unusual Beauty Hack

Published

1 day ago

September 13, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Actress Adah Sharma has joined the viral ‘Banana Botox’ skincare trend, which has been gaining attention on social media. The unusual beauty hack involves rubbing the inside of a banana peel on the face.

The trend has become popular among people looking for simple and natural skincare methods. Supporters claim that banana peel can make the skin look smoother, softer and temporarily tighter.

Adah Sharma recently tried the hack and shared her experience with her followers on Instagram. In her humorous video, she called banana peel the “cheapest alternative to Botox” and showed how it is applied to the face.

“This is Banana Botox. Pick up a banana peel and stick it on your face with respect,” Sharma said jokingly.

She also made several humorous comments while trying the beauty hack. The actress said the method was inspired by another video and mentioned that it recommended using the hack every day for three weeks.

However, banana peel cannot replace Botox injections. While bananas and their peels contain nutrients and plant compounds, there is no strong evidence that rubbing a banana peel on the skin can produce results similar to Botox.

Botox works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to specific facial muscles. It can reduce the appearance of certain wrinkles, with results generally lasting for several months.

Other established skincare ingredients, such as retinoids and vitamin C, can also help improve skin texture and support collagen production. Keeping the skin hydrated and maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet can further support healthy-looking skin.

Experts also caution that natural skincare methods are not completely risk-free. Applying banana peel directly to the face may cause irritation or an allergic reaction, especially in people with sensitive skin.

Those trying a DIY skincare remedy should first test it on a small area of skin. The product should be washed off immediately if burning, itching, redness or irritation occurs.

Entertainment

Trailer of ‘Amartha’ Released Ahead of September 18 Theatrical Released

Published

3 days ago

September 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mangaluru: The trailer of the upcoming Kannada film ‘Amartha’ was released at a grand event ahead of its theatrical release on September 18.

The film is directed by Guru Hegde and Vinay Preetham and is produced by Dr. Kanyana Sadashiva Shetty and Guru Hegde under the Pancharangi Films banner.

Entrepreneur Prakash Shetty and actor Darling Krishna unveiled the trailer and wished the entire team success. Actor Shivadhwaj was also present as a special guest.

‘Amartha’ is presented as a complete family entertainer. The film explores beautiful memories from childhood and college life that are part of everyone’s journey. The makers have woven these experiences into an engaging story.

Srinagara Kitty and Meghana Raj play the lead roles in the film. The movie also features popular coastal artists from the Tulu film industry, including Roopa Varkady, Aravind Bolar and Pushparaj Bollaar.

With a mix of family emotions, nostalgia and entertainment, the film is expected to offer a special experience for the audience. ‘Amartha’ is set to hit theatres on September 18.