Actor Dhanush criticises AI-altered ending for re-release of hit film Raanjhanaa
Hindi-language romantic drama Raanjhanaa, called Ambikapathy in its Tamil-language title, has made headlines over its re-release 12 years after first hitting cinemas in 2013.
Eros Media World says the new version, which sees the film's original ending switched to a happier one, is a "lawful and creative reinterpretation, not a replacement", and that the change and use of artificial intelligence has been made clear to viewers.
The company says the alternate ending was "crafted under the direction of a human creative team using AI only as an assistive tool - not as an autonomous content generator".
In a statement sent to Sky News, group chief executive Pradeep Dwivedi said the studio wanted to offer "fresh dimensions for audiences" and never intended "to undermine the original essence" of the film.
However, the AI-assisted re-release has already drawn criticism from the film's director Aanand L Rai, and now its star Dhanush has released a statement to say the "AI-altered climax" had left him "completely disturbed".
"This alternate ending has stripped the film of its very soul, and the concerned parties went ahead with it despite my clear objection," Dhanush said in a message posted on X. "This is not the film I committed to 12 years ago."
Dhanush said the use of AI to alter films or other content "is a deeply concerning precedent for both art and artists" that "threatens the integrity of storytelling and the legacy of cinema".
He added: "I sincerely hope that stricter regulations are put in place to prevent such practices in the future."
Eros said Dhanush's "wonderful performance" in the role of Kundan had brought the character to life "in an unforgettable way". However, the studio said the actor's team had been aware of the plans before the re-release and that they had received "no formal objection".
"While we acknowledge and respect differing views on the use of AI in film, our aim has been to explore how technology can complement storytelling and offer fresh dimensions for audiences - never to undermine the original essence of a film," Mr Dwivedi said. "The original Raanjhanaa and Ambikapathy remains much loved and widely available, and the IP is fully preserved."
He added: "Just as storytelling evolves, so too does music - and with responsible use of AI, even the most iconic soundtracks are being respectfully reimagined as remixes to resonate with new generations while preserving their original soul.
"We deeply respect the creative community and remain committed to collaborating in ways that ensure mutual respect, innovation, and progress for the cinematic arts. As one of India's most storied film studios, Eros remains committed to celebrating Indian cinema, nurturing talent, and embracing technology responsibly."
Dhanush's comments come after statements posted by Rai, who has described the re-release as "a betrayal" to the original that has been "dressed up as innovation".
Writing on Instagram, he said: "This was never just a film to us. It was shaped by human hands, human flaws, and human feeling. What's now being circulated is not a tribute. It is a reckless takeover that strips the work of its intent, its context, and its soul."
Responding to the director's criticism, Mr Dwivedi reiterated that the re-release is "a respectful creative reinterpretation - clearly labelled and separate from the original version" and said such practices are "common in global cinema, and reflect our long-standing commitment to innovation, audience engagement, and cultural preservation".
He also highlighted an ongoing legal dispute between Eros and Colour Yellow Productions, the studio co-founded by Rai.
The re-release comes as artificial intelligence continues to cause concern among some in the creative industries. In June, video game actors in the US ended a strike after nearly a year of industrial action over the use of AI by game studios - an issue that was also part of the concerns raised by the Hollywood writers' and actors' strikes in 2023.
Earlier this year, Oscar-nominated film The Brutalist made headlines for using the technology to "refine" Hungarian accents.
It has also been used for de-aging stars such as Harrison Ford for the latest Indiana Jones film and Tom Hanks in the 2024 picture Here - and for helping to create "the last Beatles record" featuring John Lennon's vocals, released in 2023.
There is a "good side" to the technology but also a "scary side", Sir Paul McCartney has said, adding: "We will just have to see where that leads."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Kimberley Garner stuns in a satin cream co-ord as she departs star-studded Materialists gala screening with handsome male friend
Kimberley Garner cut a stylish figure as she left the UK gala screening of Materialists at Picturehouse Central in London on Tuesday night. The former reality TV star, 34, looked sensational in a satin cream strapless bra top paired with a matching floor-length skirt as she departed the venue with a handsome companion. Layering a cream cardigan over her shoulders to fend off the evening chill, Kimberley completed her chic ensemble with bronze open-toe platform heels. She wore her blonde locks in an elegant half-up, half-down style, perfectly complementing her glamorous look. Meanwhile, her companion looked dapper in a black suit, teamed with a crisp white button-up shirt. Romantic comedy Materialists stars Dakota Johnson as a matchmaker in the enviable position of having to choose between leading men Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal. The film, written and directed by Celine Song, received a warm 87-percent rating from the critics at Rotten Tomatoes, and audiences responded with a heartfelt $12 million at the box office. Kimberley's outing comes after she stepped out with her partner William Claeyssens for the first time at the Chain of Hope Gala Ball in November. Speaking exclusively to the Mail on Sunday, Kimberley confirmed her relationship status, revealing the budding romance was going well, and she was happy. 'We met through friends just last week, so this is our second date,' she added at the time. William's Instagram says he divides his time between Marbella and London, and he appears to enjoy the high life - sailing, shooting, and attending events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Her date reveal came after she recently revealed that she had 'just broken up with someone'. Kimberley's last known romance began in the summer of 2023 when it was revealed that she was going out with financier Andreas Anthis. The pair broke up in April last year, with Kimberley calling it the 'right decision'. The reality star previously dated her MIC co-star Richard Dinan. Kimberley has also bought a new house in Belgravia, London, and is 'excited' to live back in the UK after putting her Miami beach house on the market. She said it was a decision which was not driven by the presidential race because she was 'happy' with the result. 'I just bought a new property in Belgravia, so I have been working for the last two months and had my head down,' she said. 'This is my first night out in two months. 'I am selling my flat in America, so I am actually moving my money from the US to London.
The Guardian
5 hours ago
- The Guardian
Francis Ford Coppola in hospital in Rome, reports say
Francis Ford Coppola, the veteran American Italian film-maker behind The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has been hospitalised in Rome, according to reports in the local media. Coppola, 86, was admitted to Policlinico Tor Vergata, a public hospital, on Tuesday morning for an operation related to heart issues that had been long scheduled, Corriere della Sera reported. But he suffered a mild cardiac arrhythmia before the operation and doctors placed him under observation, Corriere added. The Oscar winner is a frequent visitor to Italy, and in mid-July attended the Magna Graecia film festival in the southern Italian region of Calabria to present his latest film, Megalopolis. He had also been spending time scouting for locations in Italy for a new production due to begin filming in the autumn, Ansa reported. On Friday, Coppola completed a six-city US tour to promote Megalopolis, according to Hollywood Reporter. It is unclear when he returned to Italy. Speaking to the audience at the film festival in Calabria, Coppola, the winner of five Oscars, said: 'Young people say the world is a disaster, but I reply that there is no problem man can't solve.' Megalopolis, his sci-fi epic starring Adam Driver, cost $120m that was largely funded through the sale of his vineyards. But reviews have been mixed, with the Guardian's Peter Bradshaw calling it a 'bloated, boring and bafflingly shallow film'. Coppola, however, appeared to have no regrets about his passion project. He said: 'There are many people, when they die, they say: 'Oh, I wish I had done this, I wish I had done that'. But when I die, I'm going to say: 'I've got to do this and I've got to see my daughter win an Oscar and I've got to make wine and I've got to make every movie I wanted to make.' The director, whose wife Eleanor died in April last year, added: 'And I'm going to be so busy thinking of all the things that I've got to do that when I die, I won't notice it.'
The Guardian
6 hours ago
- The Guardian
Francis Ford Coppola in hospital in Rome, reports say
Francis Ford Coppola, the veteran American Italian film-maker behind The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has been hospitalised in Rome, according to reports in the local media. Coppola, 86, was admitted to Policlinico Tor Vergata, a public hospital, on Tuesday morning for an operation related to heart issues that had been long scheduled, Corriere della Sera reported. But he suffered a mild cardiac arrhythmia before the operation and doctors placed him under observation, Corriere added. The Oscar winner is a frequent visitor to Italy, and in mid-July attended the Magna Graecia film festival in the southern Italian region of Calabria to present his latest film, Megalopolis. He had also been spending time scouting for locations in Italy for a new production due to begin filming in the autumn, Ansa reported. On Friday, Coppola completed a six-city US tour to promote Megalopolis, according to Hollywood Reporter. It is unclear when he returned to Italy. Speaking to the audience at the film festival in Calabria, Coppola, the winner of five Oscars, said: 'Young people say the world is a disaster, but I reply that there is no problem man can't solve.' Megalopolis, his sci-fi epic starring Adam Driver, cost $120m that was largely funded through the sale of his vineyards. But reviews have been mixed, with the Guardian's Peter Bradshaw calling it a 'bloated, boring and bafflingly shallow film'. Coppola, however, appeared to have no regrets about his passion project. He said: 'There are many people, when they die, they say: 'Oh, I wish I had done this, I wish I had done that'. But when I die, I'm going to say: 'I've got to do this and I've got to see my daughter win an Oscar and I've got to make wine and I've got to make every movie I wanted to make.' The director, whose wife Eleanor died in April last year, added: 'And I'm going to be so busy thinking of all the things that I've got to do that when I die, I won't notice it.'
