AI Dubbing Fails to Capture Murthy’s Magic in Kanguva

Surya, a beloved Tamil actor known for his engaging performances, recently ventured into a new domain with his latest film “Kanguva,” a pan-India fantasy action flick directed by Siva. In a groundbreaking move for the actor, Surya attempted to dub his voice in Telugu for the first time. The film, which features Surya in a dual role, opened in theaters this Thursday to high anticipation but received mixed reactions from the audience, particularly regarding its Telugu dubbing.

The innovative approach of using artificial intelligence (AI) for dubbing Surya’s voice in the Telugu version has sparked a wave of disappointment among Telugu cinema enthusiasts. Despite Surya’s efforts to dub in Tamil, the AI technology altered his voice for the Telugu and other language versions. This application of AI in dubbing marks a first in the Kollywood industry, but it has not been well-received, with many fans expressing their dissatisfaction over the lack of authenticity in the voice modulation.

Historically, Surya’s characters have resonated deeply with Telugu audiences, thanks in part to the dubbing talents of Srinivasa Murthy. Murthy’s distinctive base tone, especially in the “Singam” series, and his ability to bring variation to his voice, significantly contributed to the success and appeal of Surya’s roles in various films. The combination of Murthy’s voice and Surya’s performances made for memorable characters, establishing a strong connection between Surya and the Telugu audience.

The unfortunate passing of Srinivasa Murthy in January 2023 due to a heart attack left a void in the industry. Surya himself acknowledged the irreplaceable nature of Murthy’s contribution, highlighting how his voice added depth and emotion to his characters. Following Murthy’s demise, Surya explored alternatives for dubbing but struggled to replicate the same connection with the audience. Though Tollywood actor Satyadev provided his voice for Surya in “Aakasham Nee Haddura” and was praised for his performance, he did not pursue dubbing for other actors, leading to the selection of different dubbing artists for films like “Jai Bheem” and “ET.”

The absence of Srinivasa Murthy’s voice has been particularly noted in “Kanguva,” with many fans arguing that a voice as powerful and evocative as Murthy’s would have been ideal for the film’s epic dialogues. The AI-assisted dubbing has been criticized for sounding unnatural, reminiscent of an English film’s dubbing, lacking the impact and authenticity Murthy’s voice brought to Surya’s characters. This sentiment reflects the challenge of capturing the essence and emotional depth of performances through technology, underscoring the unique and irreplaceable role of human talent in cinematic storytelling.