Dhanush slams AI version of Raanjhanaa, says ‘stripped the film of its very soul’
After Raanjhanaa Director Aanand L. Rai, actor Dhanush criticised the unauthorised re-release of their 2013 film, which was altered using artificial intelligence to include a different ending. Dhanush said that the new ending altered by the AI has effectively removed the very soul of the film.
The AI-generated version, described as a “happy ending” cut, was reportedly released without the consent of the film’s original creators. The re-edited version has sparked backlash within the film industry, with concerns raised about the ethics of using AI to alter creative work.
Dhanush, who played the lead role, issued a public statement on social media, saying the altered version had “completely disturbed” him. He said the release went ahead despite his objection.
“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 said on X.
“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,” he added.
Director Anand L Rai also spoke out against the release, saying the film had been “altered, repackaged and re-released without my knowledge or consent.” He described the situation as “deeply upsetting” and said the altered version undermined the original intent and context of the film.
The director termed the AI version of the film “a reckless takeover that strips the work of its intent, its context, and its soul”.
“The past three weeks have been surreal and deeply upsetting. To see ‘Raanjhanaa’, a film born out of care, conflict, collaboration and creative risk, being altered, repackaged and re-released without my knowledge or consent has been nothing short of devastating. What makes it even more disheartening is the casual manner in which it’s been done. And yet, amid all of this, the outpouring of support and solidarity from the industry, audiences and the wider creative community has reminded me what ‘Raanjhanaa’ originally stood for: connection, courage and truth. I am immensely grateful for that,” Rai wrote on Instagram.
Several industry figures, including Neeraj Pandey, Kanika Dhillon and Tanuj Garg, have expressed support for the original creators and criticised the AI-altered release, calling it unethical and harmful to artistic integrity.
Raanjhanaa, featuring Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor in lead roles, was released in 2013. It received both critical acclaim and commercial success and over the years, has achieved cult status among audiences.
