What makes real explosions more authentic than CGI in films?

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Real Explosions Offer Unpredictable Authenticity Unmatched by CGI

Real explosions possess an inherent unpredictability rooted in natural phenomena that computer-generated imagery (CGI) struggles to replicate, thereby offering a distinct authenticity in film. This is exemplified in the climax of Dhurandhar 2, where the use of 500 litres of petrol and explosives resulted in 100 per cent real fragments and fire. Special effects supervisor Vishal Tyagi asserts that elements like fire, smoke, and rain are fundamentally natural and unpredictable, making it impossible for current technology to fully compete. The audience's appreciation for the genuine, unscripted chaos of real explosions further underscores their unique impact on screen.
Practical Effects Utilise Natural Elements for Visual Impact

The creation of authentic visual chaos often relies on harnessing natural elements, as seen in the tanker explosion sequence for Dhurandhar 2. The production team built the tanker on a real train using acrylic panels over a metal frame. As the acrylic melted during the explosion, it produced flying fragments, contributing to the visceral realism of the scene. Tyagi's approach prioritises using such materials to achieve a genuine look, even if it involves "something artificial" to facilitate the natural process of melting and fragmentation.
AI Limitations in Replicating Natural Unpredictability

Vishal Tyagi posits that artificial intelligence cannot entirely replicate the authenticity of practical special effects because it cannot truly capture the unpredictable nature of real-world phenomena. He states that AI operates by processing existing data, meaning it can only show what has been fed into the system, thereby lacking the capacity for genuine novelty or the inherent chaos of nature. The unpredictability of natural events, such as fire and smoke, is precisely what audiences respond to, a quality that Tyagi believes technology cannot fully simulate.
A Blend of Practicality and Controlled Risk

While the pursuit of authenticity often leads filmmakers like Tyagi to embrace practical effects, the process inherently involves significant risks. Tyagi's company, which has contributed to productions like Slumdog Millionaire and the Extraction films, specialises in executing real, controlled effects. This involves handling prop firearms and orchestrating large-scale explosions, often with tight deadlines and budgets that differ significantly from those in Hollywood. Despite strict safety protocols, accidents can occur, as evidenced by Tyagi's own burn injuries from a recent shoot and a fatality on another set involving diesel tanks, highlighting the inherent dangers of working with real explosives.

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What makes real explosions more authentic than CGI in films?

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