Why is Aanand L Rai heartbroken by the AI ending of Raanjhanaa?

Filmmaker Anand L Rai expressed deep anger and disappointment over the climax of Raanjhanaa being changed by Eros’ AI.

Aanand L Rai lashes out at AI rewrite of his classic ending

Aanand L Rai is not celebrating the re-release of his beloved film “Raanjhanaa”. Instead, he is heartbroken and angry.

Why? Eros International has decided to change the film’s ending using AI technology for its August 1 theatrical return.

“Don’t tamper with my vision”

In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, Rai made his views clear: “Raanjhanaa did not need a new climax.

It had heart and honesty. It became a cult film because people connected with its flaws and imperfections.”

The director found out about the change not from the studio, but from social media.

“People are messaging me and asking why the ending is being changed. I just can’t understand it.”

The original ending that touched hearts

In the 2013 film, Dhanush’s character Kundan dies after being shot at a public rally.

His girlfriend Zoya (played by Sonam Kapoor) learns about the conspiracy behind his death.

Even knowing the danger, Kundan’s love for Zoya prevents him from escaping his destiny.

This tragic ending has been etched in the hearts of audiences for over 12 years. Now, the AI version allows Kundan to survive.

“You can’t rewrite emotions”

Rai questions the concept itself: “What is a happy ending? It’s a tragedy, that’s an emotion.

How can you tamper with emotions? The voice of the film lies in that ending.”

Dangerous precedent

The director warns that the move “opens a dangerous door” with serious moral implications.

“How can they digitally alter an actor’s work a decade after the film’s release? This takes away their autonomy and raises serious concerns.”

Clarifying her stance

Feeling betrayed and helpless, Rai intends to write a letter to Eros requesting them to remove her name from the AI-altered version.

“I am heartbroken that we are heading towards a future where intent and authorship can be ignored.

I can do nothing but disassociate myself from this reckless and dystopian experiment.”

This controversy raises important questions about artistic integrity in the AI age.

If studios can rewrite a film’s ending years later without the creator’s consent, what is the future of cinematic storytelling?