Twelve years after its initial release, the beloved romantic drama ‘Raanjhanaa’ is set to return to theaters on August 1. This time, however, the re-release includes a significant twist. Promotional materials announce that the film will feature ‘a new ending powered by Artificial Intelligence.’ This decision has ignited controversy, as director and co-producer Aanand L Rai stated that he was neither informed nor consulted by Eros International, the studio behind the film, before implementing such a major alteration to the original storyline.

In a conversation with Screen, Rai expressed, “I learned about this through a social media announcement a few days ago. People have been messaging me, asking why the ending is being changed. I just can’t comprehend this.”

The filmmaker, troubled by this unilateral decision, reached out to Eros International to voice his concerns. When his objections were disregarded, he formally requested that his name be removed from the AI-modified version of the film.

“I don’t understand. How can they do this? It’s an ending that audiences have cherished! If not the filmmaker, at least consider the audience,” he remarked. The AI-generated version reportedly alters the film’s tragic conclusion by allowing Dhanush’s character, Kundan, to survive, a stark contrast to the impactful, emotional climax that made the original so unforgettable.

“What constitutes a happy ending? It’s a tragedy, which is an emotion. How can you interfere with emotions? The essence of the film resides in that ending,” Rai further commented.

He also expressed concerns regarding the wider implications of using AI to modify creative works without the creator’s consent. “The only positive outcome from this situation is that I’ve learned my lesson. I must be extremely cautious when signing contracts. A studio doesn’t prioritize the story. Merely to make a few crores, they’re altering a writer, director, and actor’s creation,” he cautioned, advising fellow filmmakers to be vigilant about their rights.

Eros International has reportedly sold the newly AI-edited version of ‘Raanjhanaa’ to Upswing Entertainment, a distributor based in Tamil Nadu. Rai suspects that this action serves as a market test to assess the response in a region where his production company lacks a significant presence. “However, committing a crime in Rome remains a crime! Even if it’s being released in Tamil Nadu, where we don’t have much of a foothold, my actor does. I am accountable for how his image is perceived there through my film,” he stated, alluding to Dhanush’s popularity in the South.

He further emphasized that this short-term business tactic could lead to long-term repercussions for the studio, especially concerning actors and audiences. “They will soon realize it when actors and the audience respond to them. No actors would want to collaborate with them now. Perhaps they no longer wish to work with actors at all. They seem to be planning to produce films solely with AI,” he commented.

Rai clarified that he is not opposed to AI as a tool, but rather to its improper use. He is utilizing AI-based tools to enhance VFX in his upcoming film ‘Tere Ishq Mein’, featuring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon. Nevertheless, he believes that using AI to modify completed artistic works is ethically unacceptable.

“They claim AI is the future. Everyone is aware of that. But it should be used for future or present purposes. Do not use it to distort the past! If you purchase a portrait from an artist, you can add a moustache to it if you wish. However, you certainly cannot resell it for commercial profit. Before we know it, they might alter the climax of Sholay (1975) to keep both Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra) alive,” he cautioned.

Originally released in 2013, ‘Raanjhanaa’ featured Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor and became renowned for its compelling storytelling and emotional conclusion. In the original ending, Kundan (played by Dhanush) meets a tragic fate, sacrificing himself for love.