Across the globe, artificial intelligence often makes headlines for troubling reasons. Hundreds of users on platforms like X, formerly Twitter, reportedly ask Elon Musk's Grok AI to create non-consensual, explicit imagery. This turns powerful technology into a tool for digital voyeurism.
A Different Story in Kerala
Meanwhile, in the southern Indian state of Kerala, people are harnessing AI for a completely different purpose. They are not using it to undress characters but to clothe them with new futures and possibilities. Here, cutting-edge technology serves as a balm for old cinematic wounds.
For Keralites, cinema transcends mere entertainment. Films are woven into the cultural and emotional fabric of society. They feed the soul. Now, artificial intelligence is helping answer long-held "what-if" questions that audiences have carried for decades.
Rewriting Fate for Beloved Characters
What if fate had offered a different path for Vishnu, the character played by Mohanlal in the 1988 classic 'Chithram'? Could he have gotten a second chance at life? What if the star-crossed lovers Karthuamma and Pareekutty from 'Chemmeen' had found their way back to each other?
These are not just idle thoughts. They are deep-seated wishes from a passionate film-going community. A poignant dialogue from 'Chithram' echoes this sentiment: "Jeevikan ipo oru moham thonnunnu, athondu chodhikuva, enne kollathirikkan pattumo?" which translates to "I feel like living now. Is it possible not to kill me?"
For years, viewers lamented the tragic climax directed by Priyadarshan. Many wondered why the filmmaker had to be so cruel to his character. The fate of Vishnu left a lasting wound in the collective memory of Malayalam cinema lovers.
AI Offers a Soothing Remedy
Today, in 2026, technology is providing an unexpected remedy. A viral video on Instagram, amassing over six million views, uses AI to reimagine the climax of 'Chithram'. In this new version, the narrative takes a hopeful turn.
After Vishnu bids a heartbreaking farewell to Kalyani, played by Ranjini, the jeep stops. The Jail Superintendent, portrayed by the late M.G. Soman, tells Vishnu to run away before he changes his mind. It is the climax of dreams for countless fans.
This creative use of AI softens a decades-old ache. It offers a parallel universe where beloved characters get the endings audiences always wished for them. Vishnu finally gets his second chance, at least in the digital realm. He can live in peace in this reimagined story.
Technology Serving Cultural Healing
This movement in Kerala highlights a profound and positive application of AI. Instead of generating harmful content, people are using it for cultural storytelling and emotional healing. They are mending fictional heartbreaks and exploring narrative possibilities that were once confined to imagination.
The trend underscores how a community's deep connection with its art can guide technology toward meaningful ends. In Kerala, AI is not a threat to creativity but a tool that expands it, answering the "what-ifs" that have lingered in the hearts of movie lovers for generations.
