Dhanush Slams AI-Twisted 'Raanjhanaa' Ending: "It’s Soulless!"
Tamil star Dhanush blasts AI-altered 'Raanjhanaa' climax as a threat to cinema.
Tamil cinema icon Dhanush has voiced strong disapproval over an AI-modified ending in the recent re-release of his 2013 Bollywood debut, Raanjhanaa. Directed by Aanand L Rai, the romantic drama originally starred Dhanush alongside Sonam Kapoor and gained cult status for its emotional depth and tragic conclusion. However, the re-released version, featuring an AI-generated alternate ending, has sparked controversy, drawing sharp criticism from both the actor and the director.
In a passionate post on X, Dhanush, 42, expressed his dismay, stating the new ending “stripped the soul” of the film. “The re-release of Raanjhanaa with an AI-altered climax has completely disturbed me. This is not the film I committed to 12 years ago,” he wrote, emphasizing that the change was made despite his explicit objections. The actor warned that using AI to modify films sets a “deeply concerning precedent” that undermines the integrity of storytelling and the legacy of cinema. He urged for stricter regulations to prevent such practices.
Set in Varanasi and Delhi, Raanjhanaa follows Kundan (Dhanush), a Hindu boy in love with Zoya (Kapoor), a Muslim girl, from childhood. In the original film, Kundan’s tragic death at a rally after being shot forms the emotional crux of the story. The AI-altered version, however, spares his life, a change that has divided audiences.
Also Read: Dhanush, Kriti Sanon, Mrunal Thakur, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Bhumi Pednekar in Mumbai Bash
Director Aanand L Rai also criticized the move by Eros, the production and distribution company behind the re-release, calling the original film’s climax perfect and its cult status unquestionable. Eros defended the decision, claiming the alternate ending, clearly labeled as such, was meant to “enhance viewer engagement” and offer a “fresh perspective” using cutting-edge technology while respecting the original storyline.
The film’s script, written by Himanshu Sharma, also featured Abhay Deol, Swara Bhasker, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub in key roles. The controversy has reignited debates about the ethical use of AI in cinema, with Dhanush’s plea for regulation resonating among artists and fans alike.
Also Read: FTII Students Slam National Award for 'The Kerala Story' as Dangerous Propaganda
