Dhanush criticised the unapproved re-release of their 2013 movie, Raanjhanaa, which was rewritten with a different ending using artificial intelligence, following the 2013 release helmed by director Aanand L. Rai. The AI-modified ending, according to Dhanush, has essentially taken away the film's essence. The South star who led Raanjhanaa, claimed in a social media post that the changed version had 'completely disturbed' him. He revealed that the changes were made despite his 'objection.'
Dhanush said in a statement on X (previously Twitter), "The re-release of Raanjhanaa with an AI-altered climax has completely disturbed me. This alternate ending has stripped the film of its very soul, and the concerned parties went ahead with it despite my clear objection. This is not the film I committed to 12 years ago."
Dhanush added, "The use of AI to alter films or content is a deeply concerning precedent for both art and artists. It threatens the integrity of storytelling and the legacy of cinema. I sincerely hope that stricter regulations are put in place to prevent such practices in the future."
Many came in support of the actor while others questioned him for his behaviour during Nayathara fiasco. A user wrote, "This is the same man who cried for his 3 seconds clip. Now he is saying 'For the love of cinema.' How long you are going to fool your audience?" Another user wrote, "Dhanush I disagree with you only because you don’t entirely own the film. An alternate ending was a tribute to the fans who wanted the character uniting with his love. There shouldn’t be regulations on creative freedom of expression which is a universal human right. Stay blessed." A third user jokingly said, "Even after 12 years, when the choice was between Sonam Kapoor and Swara Bhasker, Dhanush chose death."
The internet remain divided about the AI generated happy ending of 2013 movie Raanjhanaa.
All About Raanjhanaa's AI Climax
The 'happy ending' cut, which was produced by AI, was purportedly released without the consent of the original producers. The film industry has criticized the re-edited version due to ethical concerns about using AI to alter artistic products.
Dhanush's character Kundan does not die as depicted in the 2013 movie in the AI-altered finale of Raanjhanaa. Then, Bindiya (Swara Bhasker) and Murari (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub) were seen crying joyfully as Kundan opens his eyes and sits up on the bed. Kundan was shot and sent to the intensive care unit in the original movie. Later, Sonam Kapoor's character Zoya rushes to the hospital to be with him as he dies.
ALSO READ - ‘My Kundan Is Alive…’: Netizens React To Raanjhanaa’s AI-Altered Climax With Happy Ending
In a statement released on July 29, the company defended the usage of AI in the re-release and charged Aanand L Rai with using Raanjhanaa's intellectual property without permission for his next movie, Tere Ishk Mein.