In a sternly worded statement by the name “For the Love of Cinema”, actor Dhanush expressed profound disappointment at the AI-edited re-release of his 2013 blockbuster Raanjhanaa. The revised version, with a changed climax, has brought the industry into an overheated debate and resulted in increasingly strained tensions between the director of the film Aanand L. Rai and production house Eros.
“This Is Not the Film I Committed To”
Stepping on social media on Sunday, Dhanush vented anger at the AI-processed alterations in the film without consulting him. “The re-release of Raanjhanaa with its climax edited by AI has totally upset me,” he posted. “This alternative ending has deprived the film of its very essence. This is not the movie I made a 12-year commitment on.”
The actor highlighted the risks of AI manipulation of creative output as “a deeply concerning precedent” that could undermine storytelling, artistic integrity, and film legacy. He called for rigorous regulation to ensure no further such interventions.
What Was Changed in the AI Version?
While in the original climax Kundan dies due to a gunshot, with Zoya (Sonam Kapoor) standing beside him in a symbolic but tragic end, the AI-altered version finds Kundan alive and waking up in a hospital, welcomed emotionally by Bindiya (Swara Bhasker) and Murari (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub).
Also Read: Raanjhanaa Director Aanand L Rai Speaks Out Against Unauthorized AI Edit
Director-Producer Rift Deepens
Director Aanand L. Rai criticized the AI modifications, claiming they were done without his approval. Eros, the owner of the rights for the film, however, justified its move and blamed Rai for IP abuse in his next film Tere Ishk Mein, which is coming on 28 November. The controversy has once again put ethical limitations on the use of AI in the film industry into the spotlight.
