TLDR: Filmmaker Aanand L Rai has strongly condemned Eros International’s decision to re-release his 2013 film ‘Raanjhanaa’ with an AI-generated ‘happy ending’ without his consent. Rai, who also co-produced the film, expressed his heartbreak and called the move a violation of creative integrity, stating he plans to disassociate from the altered version.
Mumbai, July 18, 2025 – Acclaimed filmmaker Aanand L Rai has voiced profound disappointment and strong opposition to Eros International’s decision to re-release his 2013 romantic drama ‘Raanjhanaa’ with a new, AI-generated ending. The film, starring Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor, is set to return to cinemas on August 1, 2025, featuring an ‘AI-powered’ climax that reportedly alters the original tragic conclusion, where Dhanush’s character, Kundan, dies, to one where he survives.
Rai, who not only directed but also co-produced the original film, stated he was neither informed nor consulted by Eros International about this significant change. “I got to know through social media announcement a couple of days ago,” Rai revealed, expressing his shock and inability to comprehend the studio’s actions. He added that he has been receiving messages from people questioning the alteration.
The director vehemently criticized the tampering with the film’s emotional core. “What is a happy ending? It’s a tragedy, that’s an emotion. How can you meddle with emotions? The voice of the film lies in that ending,” Rai asserted. He emphasized that the original ending was integral to the film’s identity and its connection with the audience over the past 12 years. “If not the filmmaker, at least listen to the audience,” he pleaded, highlighting that fans have cherished the film for its authentic narrative.
Rai views Eros International’s move as a dangerous precedent and a threat to creative integrity. He expressed concerns that such actions open a ‘dangerous door’ for the film industry, where studios might prioritize commercial gains over artistic vision. “I’ve to be very careful while signing the dotted line. I’m dealing with this, but other filmmakers should learn from this,” he cautioned, suggesting that studios “just to earn a few crores, they’re tampering with a writer, director, and actor’s creation.”
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In response to the unauthorized alteration, Rai has formally requested that his name be removed from the AI-modified version of ‘Raanjhanaa’. The controversy has also sparked a buzz on social media, with long-time fans expressing disappointment and criticism towards the studio’s decision to change a beloved film’s ending. Meanwhile, Aanand L Rai is currently working on his upcoming film ‘Tere Ishk Mein’, starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon, scheduled for release on November 28.
