OPINION: Is AR Rahman right in calling use of AI in music an ‘evil’ and would it affect equilibrium of creators?

OPINION: Is AR Rahman right in calling use of AI in music an ‘evil’ and would it affect equilibrium of creators?

As a lifelong admirer of the enchanting world of cinema and music, I find myself deeply entwined in the ongoing debate surrounding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in these creative spheres. Having grown up listening to the timeless melodies crafted by legends like Ilaiyaraaja and AR Rahman, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease when I witness the rise of AI-generated music in mainstream cinema.


Recently, AR Rahman voiced his disappointment about the use of Artificial Intelligence in contemporary music during an interview with The Week. Although he acknowledged the benefits that technology offers, this renowned artist also appreciated the way people can personally benefit from interpreting it.

The increasing use of AI in movies has opened up numerous benefits, and it’s clear that major filmmakers are taking advantage of this trend. Yet, one might question whether it’s accurate to label these advancements as “evil.

As a lifestyle expert reflecting on this topic, I ponder if the rapid advancements in AI could potentially disrupt the creative landscape for filmmakers and musicians in the near future. It’s essential to consider how these technologies might impact the artistic expression we cherish today, as they may offer new opportunities while simultaneously posing challenges that need careful navigation.

Is it right to use AI-generated music in mainstream cinema?

In today’s modern era, the rise and development of artificial intelligence (AI) presents an intriguing yet potentially alarming situation. On one hand, AI has been harnessed for creative purposes such as content creation and providing entertainment, but on the other, its misuse is a significant concern, particularly in unregulated environments.

There have been situations where artificial intelligence is used to deceive people by misrepresenting others’ identities. The convincing nature of these computer-generated images and sounds often makes it challenging for us to discern truth from fiction, even when we are aware of the problematic scenarios that arise from them.

As we delve deeper into the subject, it becomes evident that AI is increasingly intertwined with our daily lives, just as an essential yet potentially addictive substance is hard to avoid. Now, let’s ponder how AI might find a place in popular music creation.

In simpler terms, the fact that AI might take over the roles of genuine musicians in the music industry is just a sneak peek into its potential dominance. Musicians who incorporate AI in their tracks aren’t borrowing or reworking existing compositions like past composers did, but rather they’re analyzing someone else’s work and producing something new, often passing it off as their own original creation.

Transforming a specific music composer’s style into something fresh using just a few clicks doesn’t equate to genuine artistic or creative work. Continuing to replicate this process without finding new innovations will only result in a repetitive cycle of producing and consuming the same ordinary music.

In the early era of film and music, we were captivated by artistic wonders that continue to inspire us now. Many films feature songs composed by greats like Ilaiyaraaja and AR Rahman, whose melodies still resonate deeply within us. Additionally, the enchanting voices of singers such as the late SP Balasubrahmanyam and KJ Yesudas are cherished because they dedicated countless hours to crafting fresh pieces from what was already known.

Check out songs by Ilaiyaraaja and AR Rahman here:


Currently, numerous individuals tend to favor these formulaic tunes, which often become popular on social media and in public areas. However, this saturation point would be reached when people grow tired of listening to the same electronic dance music sample or monotonous rhythm pattern found in almost every song.

Instead of hearing remakes or rehashes, folks might opt for genuine tunes crafted by original artists. Nostalgia could play a significant role in this preference, as it often leads individuals to appreciate older tracks over more recent ones.

The gifted director Mani Ratnam and his films stand out even more due to the captivating music they offer. Whether it’s working with Ilaiyaraaja on movies such as Anjali, Mouna Ragam, or Thalapathi, or collaborations with ARR in films like Alai Payuthey, Dil Se, Kannathil Muthamittal, or Bombay, we continue to sing along to the tunes and savor the visuals.

See a song from Mani Ratnam’s Kannathil Muthamittal:

Today, filmmakers are crafting music videos with social media promotion in mind, using quick edits and vintage dance routines featuring catchy sequences. This approach, however, opens up an entirely different discussion on its impact, as it can sometimes make each song appear similar.

Was AR Rahman calling misuse of AI evil?

One way to rephrase that sentence could be: Uncontrolled AI usage often results in elevating mediocre musicians, leading to them gaining popularity, while skilled songwriters and composers are frequently overlooked and deemed “underappreciated” by listeners.

Instead, isn’t it true that the audience is ultimately the one who determines if someone remains undervalued or not? And why continue to promote the same tired, repetitive works just for the sake of likes and views, when something exceptional lies waiting to be discovered?

Given the growing fascination with AI, it might appear that it could overtake the unique artistic flair humans possess. Yet, what AI generates is not original work but instead, reproductions or copies of existing works.

On a different note, AI offers benefits within the realm of music as well. These advantages are often highlighted by musicians who find it helpful for refining and perfecting their song compositions. Furthermore, in this same sphere, artists have been able to resurrect the voices of deceased singers through AI technology, incorporating them into new pieces.

In songs like “Lal Salaam” by AR Rahman and “Vettaiyan” by Anirudh Ravichander, these musicians respectfully revived the voices of deceased singers. Instead of using their voices without consent, they obtained permission from the families and compensated them for their work.

In essence, we can continue to appreciate new tunes from artists who are no longer with us, thanks to technology. Similarly, it’s reasonable to believe that, when employed responsibly, within boundaries, and under appropriate circumstances, AI could simplify the process of music composition, but not supplant individuals with genuine musical skills.

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2024-10-29 15:08