An AI-generated video showcasing hyper-realistic versions of beloved Indian brand mascots has gone viral on LinkedIn, sparking both admiration and concern among viewers. The video, shared by Shahid SK, features characters from well-known brands such as Amul, Air India, Asian Paints, Indian Railways, Nirma, Parle-G, 7UP, and Cheetos. The video uses generative AI tools to bring these characters to life in a “hyper-realistic world”.
The video depicts the characters in various scenarios, such as the Amul Girl feasting on cheese, the Parle-G girl squatting on a mound of biscuits, and Air India’s Maharaja greeting viewers with a stiff smile. The Nirma Girl, in particular, is seen dancing in her iconic polka dot frock as a predominantly white audience applauds in the background.
While the video has been praised for its ingenuity and technical execution, some LinkedIn users have raised concerns about the ethics of using mascots with deeply personal origins. One user pointed out that the Nirma Girl is based on the daughter of the brand’s founder and that using her image without permission could be a violation of privacy and ethics. Others have expressed concerns about copyright and intellectual property rights, with one user remarking that generative AI is “a nightmare for designers!!”.
The video has also sparked debate about the tension between human artistry and machine-led creativity. One user described the video as “creepy”, while another observed that it’s “something I’ll never be able to do”. Despite these concerns, the video has been widely shared and has sparked a lively discussion about the potential of AI-generated content. The use of advanced image-to-video AI platforms has made it possible to create realistic and engaging videos, but the ethical implications of using copyrighted material and the blurred lines between human creativity and machine generation are still being debated.