Dhanush slams Raanjhanaa's AI-altered happy ending
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Pink Villa
2 hours ago
- Pink Villa
What is Raanjhanaa movie controversy? 9-point detailed timeline of AI-altered climax in re-release of Dhanush starrer
Raanjhanaa, a 2013 released much-loved romantic drama, sparked a controversy on AI-altered climax. If you have no clue about what exactly happened and why director Aanand L Rai and actor Dhanush are opposing the re-release, here's a 9-point detailed timeline of the AI-tweaked climax of Raanjhanaa. Makers announces the re-release with new climax In July 2025, Eros International, the production banner, announced the re-release of Raanjhanaa /Ambikapathy with a new ending powered by AI. The movie was announced to re-release on August 1st, 2025, in cinemas. Aanand L Rai opposed the act while disassociating himself from the movie Aanand L Rai, who directed the movie, strongly opposed the strategy. In a statement, Aanand told PTI, 'I'm heartbroken that this is the future we're heading toward, where intent and authorship are disposable. All I can do is dissociate myself from such a reckless and dystopian experiment. Raanjhanaa didn't need a new climax.' 'To see its ending altered without a word of discussion is a gross violation not just of the film, but of the trust of the fans who've carried the film in their hearts for 12 years,' the filmmaker said. Eros responded and called it a creative reimagination While responding to Aanand L Rai's comment, company's CEO Pradeep Dwivedi said, 'This is a creative reimagining, not a replacement, and is consistent with global industry practices including anniversary editions, alternate cuts, and modernised remasters." The company further stated that Eros holds the sole and exclusive copyright and producer rights of Raanjhanaa, including the legal and moral rights under Indian law. Raanjhanaa re-released with AI-ending on August 1st in cinemas; fans were divided Raanjhanaa met with mixed response during its re-release on August 1st. While some were seen hooting for the new ending, many showed their disinterest in the movie. A section of Social media called it an act of ripping off the soul of the film. What changes are made in the AI version of Raanjhanaa? While in the original print, Kundan (Dhanush) dies in the climax, the AI version showed Kundan alive. Zoya, Murari and Bindiya who were originally mourning the loss of Kundan in the OG ending, are seen smiling with happy tears when Kundan gets off the ICU bed. Aanand L Rai's social media post against AI-tweaked ending of Raanjhanaa In a social media post, Raanjhanaa director Aanand L Rai called it a devastating step and mentioned that he doesn't support the new AI changes. An excerpt from the caption reads, 'To watch Raanjhanaa, a film born out of care, conflict, collaboration, and creative risk, be altered, repackaged, and re-released without my knowledge or consent has been nothing short of devastating. What makes it worse is the complete ease and casualness with which it's been done.' 'I do not support or endorse the AI-altered version of Raanjhanaa. It is unauthorised. I had no role in it. Neither did the team that made the film. And whatever it claims to be, it is not the film we intended, or made,' wrote the filmmaker on Instagram. Anurag Kashyap, Neeraj Panday, Varun Grover and others condemn the AI-ending Industry people stood in favour of the creators and condemned the new practice. Anurag Kashyap shared a couple of social media posts which criticised the AI-ending of Raanjhanaa. Varun Grover opposed the production banner with a short story of his film Masaan and his uncle's demand of making it a happy ending. Neeraj Panday also reacted on the same and stood firm with the creators. In an interview, he said, 'If Eros says, 'We have the rights, we can do anything,' that's still no excuse. A little communication wouldn't have hurt. If they had just spoken to Anand and the other creators involved in birthing that film, it would have been the right thing to do," the director told NDTV. Dhanush released an official statement against AI-altered ending of Raanjhanaa On August 3, 2025, Dhanush, who played the lead character in Raanjhanaa, released an official statement. He wrote, 'The 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.' He further stated, '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.' Eros responded to Dhanush's statement Eros reverted back with a reply to Dhanush. On August 4, the company released a statement and said, 'We would like to respectfully clarify that an Eros representative had engaged in direct communication with Mr. Dhanush's team regarding the proposed revisions, and no formal objection was communicated to us prior to the AI-enhanced re-release of Ambikapathy.' The production banner also raised questions on Aanand L Rai and Dhanush using title, themes, characters, and music of Raanjhanaa in the promotional assets of their upcoming movie, Tere Ishk Mein. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more updates.
Mint
2 hours ago
- Mint
'He is such a champ': Hrithik Roshan praises Jr NTR's ahead of War 2 release
Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan heaped praise on Jr NTR during a recent public appearance in Sri Lanka, calling him 'such a champ' for his unmatched dancing prowess. The two actors are set to appear as rivals in the much-anticipated action thriller 'War 2', releasing on August 14. Taking to the stage, Hrithik was visibly in awe of the 'RRR' star's skillset. 'Give it up for Jr NTR, guys. He is incredible; I mean, that man is such a champ,' he told the audience. Roshan, long admired for his own dancing ability, revealed he was stunned by Jr NTR's natural rhythm. 'He is the first co-actor that I have worked with that does not need rehearsals when he dances. It is absolutely incredible (that) he has every step inside him already,' he added. Hrithik also teased an exciting musical showdown in the film. 'Yeah, we have this song where, I would say it is kind of a dance-off. But yeah, working with him has been an extraordinary experience for me. It has taught me a lot of things that I will now incorporate in my life,' he said. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Aditya Chopra, 'War 2' serves as a sequel to the 2019 blockbuster 'War'. Jr NTR plays the antagonist in the high-stakes action flick, which will be released in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil. The film is slated for a box office clash with Rajinikanth's upcoming film 'Coolie', setting the stage for one of the biggest cinematic face-offs of the year. With a dance battle and star power to match, 'War 2' is shaping up to be a visual spectacle.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Dhanush once revealed how he fell in love with his ex-wife Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth: 'She's 100 times simpler than her father'
An old interview with Dhanush has resurfaced, revealing his deep admiration for Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth, his former wife. He emphasized that he was drawn to her simplicity and individuality, not her family's fame. Dhanush highlighted her grounded nature, even comparing her favorably to her father, Rajinikanth, praising her ability to connect with people and her dedication to raising their sons. Dhanush had once publicly expressed deep admiration for his former wife, Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth. As a resurfaced interview reminds fans, the actor didn't fall for her celebrity lineage—but for her simplicity, warmth, and individuality. A long partnership and a quiet separation Dhanush and Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth , who were married for 18 years before parting ways in 2022, share two sons—Yatra and Linga. While the Raayan actor is now in the news over his rumoured link-up with Mrunal Thakur , a past interview has resurfaced in which he spoke warmly about Aishwaryaa, even drawing a heartfelt comparison between her and her father, superstar Rajinikanth. What drew him to Aishwaryaa In a resurfaced interview with The Times of India, Dhanush reflected on what drew him to Aishwaryaa when they first met. The actor, who married her in an arranged match in 2004, shared that it wasn't her famous family background that impressed him—it was her individuality and personality that truly stood out. When asked if Aishwaryaa's identity as Rajinikanth's daughter influenced his feelings, Dhanush had said he didn't see her that way. He praised her simplicity, saying she was even more grounded than her father. He admired how she treated everyone equally, could connect with anyone easily, and appreciated how well she was raising their two sons. A low-key family life Dhanush and Aishwaryaa welcomed their first son, Yatra, in 2006 and their second, Linga, in 2010. Though considered one of South cinema's most influential couples, they always kept their personal life out of the limelight. Over the years, Dhanush also shared a strong bond with his father-in-law, Rajinikanth, who often praised the actor's talent and dedication in public. While fans were saddened by their separation in 2022, Dhanush and Aishwaryaa officially filed for divorce in April 2024, and their legal separation was finalized in November the same year.
