Filmmaker Aanand L Rai has strongly criticized Eros International’s decision to re-release his 2013 romantic drama, *Raanjhanaa*, with an AI-powered alternative climax, calling it an act of “butchering the film.”
An Unexpected Re-Release
*Raanjhanaa*, known for its passionate story and polarizing ending, is set to hit cinemas again on August 1. This re-release, happening 12 years after its initial debut, comes with a significant change: a “new ending powered by Artificial Intelligence,” as advertised.
The original film concludes with Dhanush’s character, Kundan, dying during a public rally. This tragic yet impactful ending was central to the film’s narrative and emotional core.
Filmmaker Left in the Dark
Aanand L Rai, who not only directed but also co-produced *Raanjhanaa* under his banner Color Yellow Productions, revealed he was not consulted about this major alteration. He learned about the AI-powered climax through social media announcements just days before the news broke.
Rai expressed his shock and strong objection, stating he “just can’t wrap my head around this.” He has reportedly reached out to Eros International to voice his concerns and plans to formally request that his name be disassociated from the AI-altered version of his film.
The Core of the Story
For Rai, the film’s ending is not just a plot point but a crucial emotional element. He believes altering it for a “happy ending,” where Kundan survives, completely misses the point. “What is a happy ending? It’s a tragedy, that’s an emotion. How can you meddle with emotions? The voice of the film lies in that ending,” he emphasized.
He argues that the studio is disregarding the artistic integrity of the work and the audience’s connection to the original narrative. The filmmaker believes such a move sets a dangerous precedent for the industry.
A Warning for Filmmakers
Rai views this incident as a stark lesson for himself and other creators. He stressed the importance of carefully reviewing contracts, warning that some studios may prioritize short-term financial gains over a film’s artistic vision. He expressed concern that this could lead to a future where creative works are tampered with for mere profit.
The re-release is reportedly being tested in Tamil Nadu, where Eros International has sold the new print to a local distributor. Rai raised concerns about the potential impact on actor Dhanush’s image, as he feels responsible for how his film affects his cast.
AI: Tool or Destroyer?
While Rai is not against artificial intelligence itself – he plans to use it for VFX in his upcoming film *Tere Ishq Mein* – he strongly condemns its misuse. He likened the situation to buying an artist’s portrait and then altering it for commercial gain, or even changing the climax of a classic like *Sholay* to keep beloved characters alive.
His core argument is that AI should be used for innovation and future creations, not to distort the past works of artists. At the time of this report, Eros International has not yet responded to queries regarding this controversy.
- Aanand L Rai was not consulted about the AI-altered climax of *Raanjhanaa*.
- He believes changing the ending “butchers” the film and its emotional core.
- Rai plans to disassociate his name from the re-released version.
- He warns that this sets a dangerous precedent for artistic integrity in filmmaking.
- The director supports AI for innovation but not for distorting past creations.
This situation highlights a growing debate in the entertainment industry regarding artistic control, ownership, and the ethical use of emerging technologies like AI.
