Dhanush Expresses Disappointment on AI-altered Ending of Raanjhanaa
In 2013, after the release of Aanand L. Rai’s Raanjhanaa, many fans left the theatres with feelings of sadness after watching Dhanush, playing Kundan, die at the film’s climax. Raanjhanaa which also featured Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Swara Bhasker, had a climax which was called “hauntingly beautiful”. Consequently, when the film was re-released 12 years later with an AI-altered ending, where Kundan’s eyes opened, indicating his survival, the audience’s reactions were mixed. Dhanush, however, expressed his disappointment. In an official statement, Dhanush conveyed his thoughts on X, writing, “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. 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.”
For the love of cinema 🙏 pic.twitter.com/VfwxMAdfoM
— Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) August 3, 2025
Even Aanand L Rai had earlier voiced his disappointment over the AI-altered ending of the film being done without consulting him. Many fans agreed and added their comments for the same. One user said, “This is not the film I committed to 12 years ago. Dhanush’s words cut deep. AI’s potential is thrilling, but rewriting a classic’s soul crosses a line. Let’s champion innovation and respect for creators, time for clear guardrails to keep cinema authentic,” while another commented, “Raanjhanaa is a great movie because of its climax. You change the ending; you ruin the movie. The last dialogue is the ‘jaan’ of this movie.”
#Raanjhanaa/#Ambikapathy gets new version of Climax, created through AI….so realistically done👌♥️
Kundhan is Alive🫶pic.twitter.com/jVnAECnMFL
— AmuthaBharathi (@CinemaWithAB) August 1, 2025
At the time of its release, Raanjhanaa was immensely praised for the acting of Dhanush, Sonam Kapoor, Abhay Deol, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and Swara Bhasker along with the chartbuster soundtrack. With the iconic tragic ending being altered in the re-release, the move has been heavily condemned by many such fans.
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