Filmmaker Rajiv Rai Backs Dhanush On AI-Edited Raanjhanaa Ending: 'Don't Know If That's Legally…'

News18

2 days ago

Dhanush and director Aanand L Rai criticised the AI-altered ending of Raanjhanaa. Filmmaker Rajiv Rai supported Dhanush, questioning the legality of the change.
Raanjhanaa AI Ending Controversy: After filmmaker Aanand L Rai, Dhanush expressed his displeasure over the Raanjhanaa edit controversy. He said that the new version 'has stripped the film of its very soul". Amid the debate, Gupt director Rajiv Rai backed Dhanush and echoed his sentiments about the film's AI-altered ending. Expressing his concern, Rai admitted that he wasn't sure if the move was legally right.
Rajiv Rai, who has helmed blockbusters such as Tridev, Mohra and Gupt, backed Dhanush. He said, 'Dhanush is right, if the actor is offended or doesn't agree with the script he okayed the end and you go and take an AI and do it that's unfair and I don't. Know if that's legally right I think I should be done in confidence with the actors or they should have shot with him so I don't know the story I think it's okay to change the end."
He added, 'I don't know it's a professional thing to do I don't think that would have changed the fate of the film, why do it it's not going to change the fate of the film I mean they could but I don't think here because people have already watched the film."
What did Dhanush say about Raanjhanaa ending?
Speaking out across his social media on Sunday, Dhanush criticised the altered version and made it clear he was never on board. 'The re-release of 'Raanjhanaa' with an AI-altered climax has completely disturbed me. This alternate ending has stripped the film of its very soul, and the concerned parties went ahead with it despite my clear objection."
He added, 'This is not the film I committed to 12 years ago. 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."
What is the Raanjhanaa AI-edit controversy about?
Dhanush and Sonam's Raanjhanaa ends on a melancholic note. His character, Kundan, dies after being shot, with Zoya (Sonam Kapoor) by his side. In the new AI version, Kundan survives and opens his eyes in the hospital as Bindiya (Swara Bhasker) and Murari (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub) tear up in joy.
Eros International, producers of Raanjhanaa, recently decided to alter the film's ending to a 'happier note' using AI. Recently, Eros explicitly rejected Aanand's allegations, calling the altered ending just a 'creative re-imagination" and not a replacement.
This didn't sit well with director Aanand L Rai, and other who's who from the film industry, who has slammed Eros for the move. Rai mentioned that the makers didn't consult him before redoing the film's ending via AI. Previously, he had requested the producers to remove his name from the film's credits. Raanjhanaa also starred Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Abhay Deol, Swara Bhasker in pivotal roles.
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