NeuralGarage’s AI-Powered Solution to Dubbing ‘Visual Discord’
Have you ever watched a dubbed movie and felt that something was off? The lip movements of the actors didn’t quite match the audio, creating an awkward viewing experience. Indian startup NeuralGarage is tackling this long-standing problem with its AI-powered Visual Dub technology. In an exclusive interview, Mandar Natekar, Co-founder and CEO of NeuralGarage, shared details about this innovative solution.
How Visual Dub Works
Visual Dub is designed to perfectly synchronize actors’ lip movements and facial expressions with dubbed audio, creating a more authentic and immersive viewing experience. This technology eliminates the visual awkwardness often associated with traditional dubbing methods. It can even work with changes in the script, making it a versatile tool for the entertainment industry.
The effectiveness of Visual Dub was demonstrated in the Swedish sci-fi adventure film ‘Watch the Skies,’ which was released in theaters earlier this year. The Los Angeles-based movie-making AI firm Flawless worked on the visual dub for the English-dubbed version, showcasing the potential of this technology in enhancing the viewing experience of dubbed content.
Enhancing Dubbed Content with Voice Cloning
Natekar explained that NeuralGarage has also developed its own voice cloning technology, which can be used in conjunction with Visual Dub. This means that not only can the lip movements be synchronized with the dubbed audio, but the voice of the dubbing artist can also be made to sound like the original actor. For instance, in a Hindi-dubbed version of a Tom Cruise film, the dubbing artist’s voice could be made to sound like Tom Cruise, further enhancing the authenticity of the dubbed content.
Recognition and Validation
NeuralGarage made history in March 2025 by winning the SXSW Pitch Competition, becoming the first Indian startup to bag the award in the award. The Visual Dub technology won in the “Entertainment, Media, Sports & Content” category, a testament to its potential impact on the entertainment industry. This recognition has opened up new opportunities for NeuralGarage, with queries from major studios and broadcast operations worldwide.
The Journey of Building NeuralGarage
Natekar, who has over 22 years of experience in the entertainment industry in India, shared the challenges of building a startup from scratch. The journey has not been without its ups and downs, including personal and medical hurdles during the fundraising phase. However, Natekar emphasizes the importance of determination, family, and health as the three pillars that have helped him navigate these challenges.
Advice for Aspiring Tech Startup Founders
For those looking to start their own tech startups, Natekar advises chasing their dreams without procrastination. He believes that having a compelling idea and being passionate about it are crucial. The key is to start working on the idea now rather than delaying it.
NeuralGarage’s innovative Visual Dub technology is set to revolutionize the dubbing industry, making dubbed content more engaging and immersive for audiences worldwide.
