Virtual Vijay: AI holograms transform Tamil Nadu poll campaigns

Artificial intelligence-powered holograms are reshaping election campaigns in Tamil Nadu, with actor-politician Vijay’s holographic projection drawing massive attention. Companies offering the service report a surge in demand, including requests to recreate avatars of late leaders like Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa.

Chennai: Technology is rapidly reshaping the political campaign landscape in Tamil Nadu, with artificial intelligence-powered holograms emerging as a striking new tool ahead of the Assembly elections.

A recent campaign in Kumbakonam has demonstrated how digital innovation is being deployed to bridge the physical absence of star campaigners and capture voter attention.

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At the centre of this trend is a holographic projection of actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President Vijay, which has gone viral on social media. The projection, mounted on a moving vehicle, delivered a highly realistic visual of Vijay addressing voters, complete with synchronised speech and gestures, leaving many in the crowd briefly believing he was physically present.

The initiative has sparked significant interest across political circles. According to the company behind the technology, there has been a sharp rise in enquiries from candidates across parties, as well as requests to recreate holographic avatars of late political icons such as M. Karunanidhi and J. Jayalalithaa, reflecting the emotional and symbolic appeal such technology can generate among voters.

The growing demand also points to a wider shift in campaign strategies, where digital engagement is increasingly complementing traditional methods.

Even in regions not currently facing elections, such as Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, political actors are exploring the potential of AI-driven outreach tools to enhance visibility and connect with the electorate.

The companies which offered the service said they have been receiving an overwhelming number of enquiries from candidates cutting across party lines, with just 10 days to go for the Assembly polls.

While holographic campaigning is not entirely new — Prime Minister Narendra Modi famously deployed the technology during the 2014 general elections — the current trend stands apart due to the integration of artificial intelligence.

Enhanced lip-syncing, realistic body movements, and portability have made these projections more immersive and adaptable, even in rural settings.

Political observers note that such innovations underline the deepening reach of advanced technology into grassroots politics.

The novelty of a ‘virtual leader’ addressing crowds, even from a moving vehicle, has added a new dimension to campaign spectacle and voter engagement, particularly among younger audiences.

Behind the scenes, the campaign was executed by a compact team of six, including young engineers, who utilised 3D hologram fan display systems to achieve sharper and more dynamic visuals compared to traditional projection methods.

Despite its impact, the technology is not without challenges. Maintaining projection quality on moving vehicles and managing environmental disruptions remain concerns, though companies continue to refine their systems.

With pricing starting at around Rs 50,000 per day, holographic campaigning is steadily carving out a niche as a futuristic, high-impact addition to India’s evolving electoral playbook.