AI Alters 'Raanjhanaa' Ending: Controversy in Tamil Nadu

New Delhi, July 18 (PTI) – In an unprecedented move for the film industry, the 2013 movie "Raanjhanaa" is set to be re-released in Tamil Nadu featuring an AI-generated "happy" ending. This decision, described as a "dystopian experiment" by the film’s director Aanand L Rai, is being called a "creative reimagining" by the producer, Eros Media World. The original film, a poignant unrequited romance starring Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor, concluded tragically with the lead character’s death. However, the Tamil version will now see a different conclusion. Upswing Entertainment, collaborating with Eros for this re-release in the Tamil market, announced, "The timeless love story returns to the big screen! #Ambikapathy re-releasing in theatres from August 1st... A new ending powered by AI." The Hindi film was previously released as "Ambikapathy" in its Tamil dubbed form in 2013. The news has left Director Rai dismayed. He expressed, "I’m heartbroken that this is the future we’re heading toward, where intent and authorship are disposable. All I can do is dissociate myself from such a reckless and dystopian experiment." Rai defended the original ending, emphasizing its heartfelt nature and its status as a cult classic due to its imperfections that resonated with fans. He criticized the alteration without prior discussion, calling it a violation of the film and the audience’s trust nurtured over 12 years. In their defense, Eros stated that the re-release is part of a strategic initiative to refresh and present classic films to newer audiences within regional markets. According to Pradeep Dwivedi, the company's group CEO, "This is a creative reimagining, not a replacement... akin to Classic cuts or re-edits seen globally." Eros firmly rebutted Rai’s claims, describing them as legally and factually incorrect, asserting that under Indian law, the producer is the legal author and the moral rights rest with the producer, not the director. Directed by Aanand L Rai and scripted by Himanshu Sharma, "Raanjhanaa" set in Varanasi and Delhi follows the tragic story of Kundan (Dhanush) whose love for Zoya (Kapoor) ends with his untimely death. Rai warns that Eros’ decision to alter the ending poses significant ethical and legal questions regarding creator rights, especially altering actors’ performances a decade post-release without consent. Such actions could jeopardize the integrity and legacy of original creative works for short-term gains. Eros argued that this alternate ending aims to enhance viewer engagement and respect the original film’s narrative, labeling it clearly as an alternate version. When queried about involvement of the original team, Eros emphasized that it holds exclusive legal and moral rights over "Raanjhanaa". Though distanced, Rai is currently working on a follow-up project titled "Tere Ishq Mein", starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon, slated for a worldwide release on November 28.

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