Chennai, 14 April (H.S):Artificial intelligence is transforming the way political campaigns are conducted in Tamil Nadu, with hologram-based outreach emerging as one of the most talked-about innovations in the run-up to the Assembly elections. What was once considered futuristic is now becoming a practical tool for candidates seeking to expand their reach and visibility.
The shift became evident in Kumbakonam, where a high-definition holographic projection of actor-politician Vijay drew large crowds and sparked widespread curiosity. Mounted on a campaign vehicle, the virtual avatar delivered speeches with remarkable realism, synchronised voice, and lifelike gestures, momentarily blurring the line between physical presence and digital illusion.
The experiment has quickly captured the attention of political parties across the spectrum. Campaign strategists see this as an effective way to compensate for the limited availability of star campaigners while maintaining a strong emotional connect with voters. The technology’s ability to recreate familiar faces and voices has added a new layer of engagement to traditional campaigning.
Interest has also surged in recreating digital avatars of iconic leaders such as M. Karunanidhi and J. Jayalalithaa, highlighting the emotional resonance such projections can generate among the electorate.
According to S. Vijay Ananth, Chief Operating Officer of Kaamaa Technologies, demand has spiked sharply, with enquiries pouring in from candidates across parties. Notably, interest is not confined to Tamil Nadu, with political figures in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka also exploring similar tools despite no imminent elections.
While hologram campaigning was earlier popularised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2014 general elections, recent advancements in AI have significantly enhanced realism and portability. From rural roads to urban centres, these mobile projections are redefining campaign outreach.
Though challenges such as projection stability and environmental factors persist, the relatively accessible cost—starting at ₹50,000 per day—has made the technology an increasingly attractive option. As digital strategies gain ground, AI-driven holograms are poised to become a defining feature of India’s evolving political campaigns.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
