Raanjhanaa's AI Ending: Kundan Opens His Eyes, Sending Dhanush Fans Into A Frenzy
While filmmaker Aanand L Rai has openly expressed his disappointment with Eros International's decision to re-release Raanjhanaa with an AI-generated alternate ending, audiences—particularly fans of Dhanush—appear to be embracing the change with open arms and tearful eyes. Released theatrically on August 1, the reimagined climax of the 2013 cult hit has sparked a whirlwind of reactions, especially in Tamil Nadu, where the film was originally dubbed and released as Ambikapathy.
In this new AI-enhanced version, the film's tragic finale—where Dhanush's character, Kundan, dies—has been replaced with a happier twist: Kundan opens his eyes, very much alive. The reaction in theatres, especially in the south, has been euphoric.
A fan shared a video on X (formerly Twitter), writing, 'AI version new climax response for #Ambikapathy re release. #IdlyKadai #Ambikapathy #Dhanush." The footage captured the audience erupting into cheers, whistles, and applause as the screen revealed the miraculous twist.
For many fans, the revised ending hit an emotional chord. 'My Kundan is alive! I'm so emotional while watching. Thank you AI #Raanjhanaa," one user posted. Another chimed in, '#Raanjhanaa / #Ambikapathy gets a beautiful twist with a new AI-generated climax & it's so realistic, it hits right in the feels. Kundan is alive… and so is our love for this timeless story. AI just gave fans the closure they always wanted."
Another overwhelmed viewer shared: 'Unexpected AI version climax. Kundan is alive." One echoed the sentiment, writing, 'Our Kundan is alive. #Ambikapathy new AI climax done realistically."
Our Kundan Is Alive ❤️❤️🤩 #Ambikapathi New AI climax done realistically🤩🥵🙌🛐 @dhanushkraja @aanandlrai #IdlikadaiFromOct1 pic.twitter.com/W2YdvBal5p — ???????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? (@DhanushianV) August 1, 2025
Even as fans acknowledged that the AI-edited conclusion diverged from Rai's original artistic vision, many admitted that it gave them emotional satisfaction. 'Now I'm happy forever. @aanandlrai Sir, I agree no one can match your original vision, but as a Dhanush fanatic, we loved to see Kundan alive. @dhanushkraja #Raanjhanaa #Ambikapathy," one user noted.
In a particularly creative take, a fan connected the AI twist to Aanand L Rai and Dhanush's upcoming film, speculating, 'AI hai toh mumkin hai. Lekin Kundan agar nahi mara toh kya #TereIshqMein jo Shankar hai, wahi humara Kundan hai kya?" (If Kundan didn't die, then is Shankar from Tere Ishq Mein actually Kundan?)
Raanjhanaa follows Kundan Shankar (Dhanush), a Varanasi-born romantic who falls deeply in love with Zoya Haider (Sonam Kapoor), who in turn is in love with a man named Akram Zaidi, later revealed to be Jasjeet Singh Shergill (Abhay Deol). The original ending had Kundan dying, content in his final moments with the thought of loving Zoya again in another life.
However, the new AI-generated 'happy ending" has raised ethical and creative concerns. Aanand L Rai has been vocal about the dangers of altering a filmmaker's vision using technology, especially without consent. He expressed disappointment that his permission was not sought before the climax was changed and warned of the precedent such decisions might set.
Despite his justified concerns, the fan response is undeniable: for many, seeing Kundan live was a catharsis a decade in the making.
First Published:
August 01, 2025, 18:15 IST
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