Seeking The Unnatural

Most technological trends see the light of the day and then recede, but the epoch of Artificial Intelligence in the M&E industry, is here to stay

- Anisha Gakhar

Theodore: Well, you seem like a person, but you are just a voice in a computer.

Samantha: I can understand how the limited perspective of an inartificial mind might perceive it that way. You’ll get used to it.

[Theodore laughs] Samantha: Was that funny?

Theodore: Yeah.

Samantha: Oh good, I’m funny!

This excerpt is from an Oscar-winning American sci-firomantic movie, Her, directed by Spike Jonze. The film chronicles the story of a man who develops camaraderie with an artificially intelligent computer bot, which is personified with a female voice.

Artificial intelligence (AI), also called machine intelligence or machine learning (ML), is scientifically devised intelligence demonstrated by machines, bots or computers, in paradox to the natural intelligence possessed by humans and other fauna. Advances in this sector, have enabled manufacturers and broadcasters to invent and implement smart tools and applications, to foster the quality of their content.

A good number of depictions follow suit, with movies like Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, Ghost in the Shell, Transformers: The Last Knight, Bladerunner et al, being bolted on the concept of AI. While there have been several instances of AI being used in international movies, it is yet to see the light of the day in India. An exception, is Rajnikanth’s 2010 flick, Enthiran, which garnered a lot of viewership and accolades in India. The story revolves around a robot named Chitti, with the ability to comprehend and exhibit human emotions, who falls in love with its creator’s girlfriend.

GAINING MOMENTUM