The re-release of Raanjhanaa, the 2013 romantic drama that marked Dhanush’s Bollywood debut, has sparked a heated debate after an AI-generated alternate ending went viral online. Originally directed by Aanand L. Rai and featuring Sonam Kapoor and Swara Bhasker, the film had earned praise for its emotional climax, where Dhanush’s character, Kundan, dies in a moment of quiet sacrifice.
However, on August 1, the Tamil-dubbed version Ambikapathy was re-released with a digitally altered climax. In this new version, Kundan opens his eyes and survives, changing the emotional core of the film. While some audience members welcomed the revision as “healing,” others felt it stripped away the story’s soul.
Amidst growing discussion, Dhanush issued a strong statement expressing his disappointment. “This alternate ending has stripped the film of its very soul,” he said. “The concerned parties went ahead with it despite my clear objection. This is not the film I committed to 12 years ago.” He further warned that the use of AI in altering film narratives sets a concerning precedent for creative integrity.
Director Aanand L. Rai had earlier clarified that neither he nor his original team were involved in the modified version, calling the AI-edited version “unauthorised.”
Dhanush’s statement highlights growing concerns over AI in cinema. While the technology can offer creative possibilities, altering finished films without the creators’ consent risks damaging their originality and emotional impact. As AI becomes more common, the industry may need to set clear ethical boundaries. The Raanjhanaa controversy serves as a reminder that some stories are meant to be left as they are.
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