Veteran actor Dhanush and director Aanand L. Rai have publicly denounced the unsanctioned re-release of their 2013 hit “Raanjhanaa”, which was secretly re-edited using artificial intelligence to feature a “happy ending.” Both creators assert that the AI-generated climax undermines the film’s original soul and intent.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Dhanush, who portrayed the lead character, lamented that the altered version “has completely disturbed me” and “stripped the film of its very soul.” He revealed that the re-release proceeded despite his explicit objections and warned that such AI manipulation threatens the integrity of storytelling and cinema itself. Dhanush called for stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Director Anand L. Rai echoed these sentiments on Instagram, describing the situation as “surreal and deeply upsetting.” He criticized the “reckless takeover” of his work—“altered, repackaged and re-released without my knowledge or consent”—and stressed that the AI version invalidates the collaborative risks and emotional truths at the heart of “Raanjhanaa.” Rai expressed gratitude for the wave of support from fellow filmmakers, critics, and fans who have rallied behind the original vision.
Several industry figures, including Neeraj Pandey, Kanika Dhillon, and Tanuj Garg, have also condemned the unauthorized AI edit as unethical and harmful to artistic integrity. “Raanjhanaa,” starring Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor, remains a beloved cult classic—acclaimed for its emotional depth and its bittersweet resolution, which the AI-altered cut now seeks to erase.
