AI and Indian Dystopias: Cultural Disruption and Ethical Dilemmas in Asur and Ok Computer

Abstract

This paper seeks to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and cultural disruption in Indian dystopian narratives, with a focus on the shows Asur and Ok Computer. Both series offer compelling insights into how AI reshapes societal structures, ethical paradigms, and human identities in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, particularly in the post-COVID context. Asur blends mythology and technology to depict a chilling dystopia where AI tools like facial recognition and behavioural analysis become weapons for moral and ideological battles. The show critiques the ethical ambiguity of AI applications and highlights the dangers of unchecked technological advancement in a culturally diverse society. It raises critical questions about the relationship between traditional Indian philosophies of dharma and karma and the cold logic of AI systems. In contrast, Ok Computer offers a satirical lens on a future where AI and robotics are deeply entrenched in daily life, questioning the ethics of automation, data governance, and the boundaries of human-machine relationships. The series critiques blind faith in technology, juxtaposing Western models of technological determinism with Indian spiritual perspectives on consciousness and ethical responsibility. This analysis investigates how these narratives reflect the broader anxieties surrounding AI in India, including digital colonialism, socio-cultural disruptions, and ethical dilemmas. By integrating Indian philosophical frameworks with global AI discourses, the paper aims to highlight the unique dimensions of human-machine relationships in the Indian context. Through the lens of Asur and Ok Computer, this paper demonstrates how Indian dystopian fiction engages with pressing concerns about technology and cultural identity, offering critical insights into the evolving dynamics of AI-driven futures.