The re-release of the film ‘Raanjhanaa’ has sparked a major controversy, with lead actor Dhanush and director Aanand L Rai strongly condemning its AI-altered ending.
Dhanush Slams AI Alteration
Actor Dhanush, who starred in ‘Raanjhanaa’, has voiced his profound disappointment over the film’s re-released version featuring an AI-generated climax. He stated that this new ending has “stripped the film of its very soul.” Dhanush also revealed that the changes were made despite his clear objections.
In a public statement, Dhanush expressed deep concern over using AI to alter films or content. He believes it sets a dangerous precedent for artistic integrity and the legacy of cinema. The actor hopes for stricter regulations to prevent such practices in the future.
Director Aanand L Rai’s Devastation
Director Aanand L Rai also expressed his shock and dismay, learning about the altered ending through social media. He couldn’t comprehend how such a significant change could be made without his knowledge or consent, especially to an ending that audiences had embraced.
Rai penned a lengthy note, describing the past weeks as “surreal and deeply upsetting.” He called the alteration a “reckless hijacking” that robs the film of its original intent, context, and soul. For Rai, ‘Raanjhanaa’ was a work crafted by human hands, and a machine-altered version is a “betrayal” of their collective effort.
Eros International Defends the Move
Despite the backlash, Eros International, the film’s production banner, described the AI-altered version as a “creative reimagining.” They stated that the re-release is part of their strategy to reintroduce classic cinema and that they possess the full rights to do so.
Eros Group CEO Pradeep Dwivedi rejected the allegations, stating that the re-release is a “respectful reinterpretation,” similar to anniversary editions or alternate cuts seen globally. He emphasized it’s clearly positioned as an “alternate, AI-enhanced version” and not a “tampering” of the original.
Writer-Lyricist Varun Grover’s Take
Adding to the conversation, writer-lyricist Varun Grover labeled the situation a “dystopian experiment wrapped in comedy.” He humorously recounted how he previously avoided changing the ending due to practical constraints, then pointed out that “someone else’s uncle” apparently had enough resources to AI-edit the film for a happy ending.
Understanding the Controversial Change
The re-release of ‘Raanjhanaa’ in Tamil Nadu, titled ‘Ambikapathy’, introduced a significant change to its climax. In the original Hindi version, the protagonist Kundan, played by Dhanush, dies after being shot. However, the AI-altered Tamil version reportedly eliminates this tragic ending, providing a different outcome.
This marks a first for the industry, prompting mixed reactions from fans. While some appreciated the new take, many others joined the creators in expressing their disappointment regarding the altered narrative.
- Lead actor Dhanush and director Aanand L Rai strongly condemned the AI-altered ending of ‘Raanjhanaa’.
- Both creators stated the change was made without their consent and compromises the film’s artistic integrity.
- Eros International, the production house, calls it a “creative reimagining” and asserts their rights to the film.
- The controversy highlights growing concerns about AI’s role in altering existing creative works without artist approval.
This incident sparks an important debate within the film industry regarding intellectual property, artistic control, and the ethical implications of emerging AI technologies on cinematic legacies.
