Harikrishnan S on winning National Film Award for Best Narration: 'AI can mimic sound, but only humans can tell stories that truly live'- Exclusive

It's interesting that voice over was never his job; it was his passion. Harikrishnan had worked on ad films and documentaries before, but in 'The Sacred Jack' he found more than simply a script to read; he found a tale to live.

During the telephonic conversation, Harikrishnan told us that he translated the work from Malayalam to English himself, and got so into it that each line had its own meaning for him.

The award also arrives at an interesting time in culture. The topic of whether technology can outperform human creativity is big right now.

For example, there are allegations that Rajinikanth's AI-generated voice is being utilised in movies, and machine narration is becoming more common in audiobooks.

Harikrishnan told us that his win is also a powerful counter that narration isn't only about being clear; it's also about flaws, pauses, and real emotion things he says that AI can't do.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan in Delhi to receive his first ever Best Actor National Film Award, watch

Today, when he collects his National Award, Harikrishnan speaks for many in the industry. He also said that even though AI may get better, the truth of human experience will always last longer.

Excerpts from the exclusive conversation:

Congratulations on winning the National Award for Best Voice Over/Narration Harikrishnan S. What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?

Harikrishnan S: Thank you so much, Sarika. Oh, it came as an absolutely massive surprise, and it does mean a lot to me. It's something that I never expected even in my wildest dreams, so to speak. I've been doing voiceovers for ad films and documentaries, more out of passion than as a profession per se. So, maybe who knows this could pave the way for this passion of mine becoming a profession.

The Sacred Jack – Exploring the Tree of Wishes beautifully blends culture, history, and folklore. How did you prepare yourself to bring out the essence of this narrative through your voice?

Harikrishnan S: The director of the movie, R S Pradeep was a dear friend, in fact, I had given voice to his previous work, Munnam Valavu which won at the 69th edition. I gave voice over for the English version of that movie. I relate more with the Sacred Jack project because I translated it from Malayalam to English. It is something that I loved doing. I was familiar with every nook and corner of the script.

In today’s era of AI-generated voices, what do you feel makes a human narration timeless and irreplaceable?

Harikrishnan S: A human narration is timeless because it carries lived emotion, it would have subtle imperfections; like, I'd say, to convey an emotion, you can gasp, you can deliberately bring subtle subtle imperfections and intentional choices. Those are the qualities that no AI can truly replicate. These nuances would forge an authentic human connection which should make the innovation resonate way longer after words are spoken.

Storytelling through voice requires more than just diction—it’s about emotion and connection. What do you believe is the secret to making narration truly impactful?

Harikrishnan S: I actually practice reading the script completely and try to picturize how the movie would turn out in my mind. So even before the movie is made I would have a version of the movie in my mind. For eg, I narrated the documentary on the Bhopal Gas Tragedy made by director R Sharad. Again like in Sacred Jack reworking the script helped with the intended emotions. I'd say reading and understanding the script does help tremendously in bringing it to life through your voice.

What message would you like to give to aspiring voice-over artists in this day and age of AI?

Harikrishnan S: As a message I would say master your craft and embrace technology as a tool, but never forget that your greatest strength lies in the humanity of your voice, its warmth, its flaws and its truth. AI can always mimic sound but only you can tell a story that truly lives.

If you see there were reports of Rajinikanth's AI generated voice was used recently in one of the movies, what impact will it have on the voice over industry and artists like you?

Harikrishnan S: Like I said earlier, AI voices may offer novelty, but it can never replace the depth of lived experience of cultural intuition and emotional truth that a human narrator can bring. And, if anything, it would challenge artists like me to highlight the irreplaceable humanity in our craft. Hope you understand that.