Aanand L Rai Breaks Silence on AI-Altered 'Raanjhanaa' Re-Release: “An Abject Betrayal”
Mumbai | July 31, 2025 – Acclaimed filmmaker Aanand L Rai has expressed deep distress and disappointment over the unauthorized re-release of his 2013 romantic drama 'Raanjhanaa', which has been modified using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to offer a “happy ending”. Calling it a “reckless takeover” and a “betrayal” of the original film’s soul and purpose, Rai publicly disassociated himself and the original team from the new version.
The development has triggered industry-wide outrage, with leading filmmakers, writers, and actors voicing support for Rai and slamming the use of AI in altering artistic works without the creator’s knowledge or consent.
The AI Re-Release: A 'Happy Ending' Without Consent
Earlier this month, Eros International, the production house behind Raanjhanaa, announced that the film would be re-released in theatres with a new AI-generated climax, supposedly to cater to audiences seeking a more positive emotional resolution.
The original film, which starred Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor, ended on a poignant and tragic note, widely praised for its bold and unconventional narrative.
The re-release, touted as an “innovative AI restoration,” has been heavily criticized for tampering with the core emotional architecture of the film.
Aanand L Rai: “I Had No Knowledge, No Role”
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Rai said:
“The past three weeks have been surreal and deeply upsetting. To watch Raanjhanaa… be altered, repackaged, and re-released without my knowledge or consent has been nothing short of devastating.”
He clarified that neither he nor his team was consulted or involved in any aspect of the new version:
“Let me say this as clearly as I can: I do not support or endorse the AI-altered version of Raanjhanaa. It is unauthorized. I had no role in it. Neither did the team that made the film.”
Calling the move deeply disrespectful, Rai lamented:
“The idea that your work can be taken and modified by a machine, then dressed up as innovation, is deeply disrespectful… To cloak a film’s emotional legacy in a synthetic cape without consent is not a creative act. It’s an abject betrayal.”
Industry Backs Rai: “Unethical and Dangerous Precedent”
The AI manipulation of Raanjhanaa has sparked concern across the film fraternity, with notable voices condemning the decision.
Filmmakers Neeraj Pandey, Kabir Khan, Renuka Shahane, Kanika Dhillon, Varun Grover, and producer Tanuj Garg are among those who stood in solidarity with Rai. Many have called the incident a “dangerous precedent” for creative ownership in the age of artificial intelligence.
“Filmmaking is not just about visuals. It's about intent, soul, and narrative integrity,” wrote Renuka Shahane in a post supporting Rai.
Writer-lyricist Varun Grover added:
“The AI re-edit of Raanjhanaa without the creator’s consent is unethical. We must draw a red line before technology bulldozes artistic autonomy.”
The Original Film: A Cultural Touchstone
Released in 2013, Raanjhanaa became a breakout film for Dhanush, marking his Hindi debut. Set in Varanasi, the movie followed the life of Kundan (played by Dhanush), a small-town romantic entangled in a love triangle with Zoya (Sonam Kapoor) and Jasjeet (Abhay Deol).
Praised for its layered writing by Himanshu Sharma, stirring music by A.R. Rahman, and bold storytelling, Raanjhanaa quickly gained cult status and remains one of Rai’s most emotionally resonant works.
The decision to replace the tragic ending with an AI-generated “happy closure” has angered fans of the original too. Social media platforms saw hashtags like #SaveRaanjhanaa, #RespectTheCreator, and #StopAIEditing trend on Thursday.
AI in Cinema: Innovation or Exploitation?
The Raanjhanaa controversy reignites the larger debate over AI’s increasing role in cinema, especially the ethics of modifying existing films.
While AI tools have been used to enhance visual effects and aid de-aging processes, this appears to be one of the first high-profile cases in India where AI has been used to reconstruct a film’s climax—without the filmmaker’s consent.
Media watchdogs and legal experts have warned that such incidents could lead to IP violations, artistic erasure, and mistrust between artists and studios.
Support and Solidarity Bring Solace
Amid the chaos, Aanand L Rai acknowledged the widespread support he received from colleagues and fans alike:
“The support and solidarity from the industry, our audiences, and the larger creative community has reminded me of what Raanjhanaa stood for in the first place – connection, courage, and truth. I’m deeply grateful for that.”
What's Next for Rai?
While Rai has not announced any legal action yet, sources close to the filmmaker say discussions are underway to evaluate options to safeguard creative rights and prevent further unauthorised alterations.
Fans, meanwhile, continue to express their wish to preserve the original version of Raanjhanaa as the only valid interpretation of the film.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The ongoing storm over the AI-modified version of ‘Raanjhanaa’ has spotlighted a growing crisis in digital ethics within the film industry. While technology continues to push boundaries, it is imperative that innovation does not come at the cost of artistic ownership. Filmmakers like Aanand L Rai deserve more than just credit — they deserve control over their creative legacy.
As AI continues to integrate into the arts, one thing must remain non-negotiable: the consent of the creator.