'Thimiri Yezhuda' from Lal Salaam marks a new development in the mainstream Indian film music space. It's a development some have their expressed concern over. For the unversed, music composer AR Rahman used AI voice models of deceased singers Bamba Bakya And Shahul Hameed in the song, giving rise to a question: is it ethical to use and commercials a deceased artist work using AI, especially when the artist's consent in ambiguous and questionable?
AR Rahman clarified on Twitter that he did seek permission from the respective families of the singers. He wrote, "We took permission from their families and sent deserving remuneration for using their voice algorithms. Technology is not a threat and a nuisance if we use it right…"
This isn't the first time a conversation around a deceased artist is taking place. In September last year, Mark Antony's portrayal of the late Silk Smitha (and the sexualisation) came under scrutiny.
Laal Salaam starring Vishnu Vishal and Vikranth features Rajinikanth in a special role. The film is directed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth and is set to hit screens on February 9.