Director Aanand L Rai is not holding back his emotions after learning that his beloved 2013 romantic drama Raanjhanaa is being re-released with a new ending created by artificial intelligence. The original film, starring Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor, left a lasting impact with its poignant and tragic conclusion, where Kundan (played by Dhanush) dies in a public rally, sacrificing himself for love.
Now, 12 years later, Eros International has announced a theatrical re-release on August 1, but with a twist an “AI-powered ending” where Kundan survives. This altered ‘happy’ ending has taken fans and the film’s creator by surprise.
“I got to know through social media,” Rai revealed, expressing shock and hurt. “People are already asking me why the ending is being changed. I just can’t wrap my head around this.”
Rai, who also co-produced the film under his Color Yellow Productions banner, wasn’t consulted about this major change. He has since contacted Eros, objecting to the decision, and is now considering writing formally to ask them to remove his name from the altered version.
“The voice of Raanjhanaa lies in that ending,” he stated firmly. “What is a happy ending? A tragedy is also an emotion. You can’t just meddle with emotions like this.” The controversy has sparked a wider debate about AI’s role in cinema, especially when it begins rewriting established art.