Manasilaayo, the first track from the highly anticipated Tamil-language film Vettaiyan, was released on Monday and it has stirred nostalgia among fans.
The track, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, sees the return of legendary singer Malaysia Vasudevan’s voice, revived through the magic of AI, after 27 years.
Vasudevan, known for his memorable hits alongside Rajinikanth in the ‘70s and ‘80s, formed an unforgettable duo with the superstar.
For Manasilaayo, his son, Yugendran Vasudevan, initially recorded the vocals, which were then transformed using AI to replicate his father’s iconic voice. The song’s music video features Rajinikanth and Anirudh dancing with actress Manju Warrier, the female lead of Vettaiyan.
The legendary Indian playback singer was known for his distinctive voice and extensive contribution to Tamil cinema from the 1970s to the 1990s.
Born in Malaysia, he moved to India to pursue his passion for music, eventually becoming a favourite for composers like Ilaiyaraaja. He recorded over 8,000 songs in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, often collaborating with stars like Rajinikanth.
Some of his hits include Vethalaiya Potendi (Singaravelan), Aatukkutti Muttai Ittu (16 Vayathinile), Ennama Kannu (Mr. Bharath), Naan Oru Rasigan (Thooral Ninnu Pochu), Sorgam Madhuvile (Nizhalgal), Kaadhal Kasakkudayya (Ullasa Paravaigal), Pothuvaga En Manasu Thangam (Murattu Kaalai), Raasaathi Unna (Vaithehi Kathirunthal), Adi Raakamma Kaiya Thattu (Thalapathi) and Kovil Mani Osai (Kizhakke Pogum Rail).
His soulful renditions, energetic performances, and unique style made him an unforgettable icon in Indian music history. Vasudevan had passed away in 2011.
The trend of using AI to revive legendary voices has been making waves this year. It started when A.R. Rahman used AI to recreate the voices of late singers Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed for Rajinikanth’s Lal Salaam.
Following suit, composer Yuvan Shankar Raja honoured his late sister, singer Bhavatharini, by using AI to feature her voice in the song Chinna Chinna Kangal.
Directed by T.J. Gnanavel, known for his critically acclaimed film Jai Bhim, and produced by Lyca Productions, Vettaiyan is an upcoming Tamil-language action drama directed by T.J. Gnanavel and produced by Subaskaran Allirajah’s Lyca Productions.
Starring Rajinikanth in the titular role, the film boasts an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan in his Tamil debut, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan, and Abhirami.
Vettaiyan promises to be a high-octane cop action thriller, with Rajinikanth playing a tough, charismatic officer tackling crime with his trademark style and larger-than-life screen presence.
The film’s narrative is expected to be packed with intense action sequences, gripping drama, and a storyline that delves deep into the themes of justice and morality.
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