Latest news with #Ambikapathy
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Exclusive: Eros clears stand on Raanjhanaa's AI-altered re-release
Poster of Raanjhaana Raanjhanaa, which had hit the screens in 2013, is being re-released in Tamil Nadu with an altered AI generated ending, possibly a first for the industry. While director Aanand L Rai has slammed the move, producer Eros International Media Limited describes this as a "creative reimagining" and says that the director's comments are an attempt 'to distract public and industry attention from serious and ongoing legal matters. ' The Tamil version of the unrequited romance drama, starring Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor, was titled Ambikapathy. Reportedly, Eros International has sold the AI-edited version of the film to a Tamil Nadu-based distributor. "The timeless love story returns to the big screen! #Ambikapathy re-releasing in theatres from August 1st... A new ending powered by AI," Upswing Entertainment said while making the announcement earlier this month. Eros International Media Limited issued a statement to clear their stand. Excerpts from statement: We at Eros International Media Limited categorically reject and strongly object to the unfounded and sensationalist remarks made by Mr Aanand L. Rai regarding the AI-enhanced re-release of Raanjhanaa. These remarks are not only factually incorrect and misleading, but appear to be a deliberate negative PR stunt designed to distract public and industry attention from serious and ongoing legal matters concerning Mr Rai and Colour Yellow Productions Pvt. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Launch at Godrej Sector 12 | Luxurious 3 BHK + S & 4 BHK Homes @₹2.90 Cr* Godrej Majesty Learn More Undo Ltd. We view Mr Rai's public outburst, especially timed just days after these disclosures, as a conscious attempt to shift focus away from the legal and governance issues he currently faces. It is unfortunate that a filmmaker of his stature would attempt to conflate legal accountability with creative victimhood. It would be best if Mr Rai respectfully acknowledges the ownership of IP as per law of the land and his written undertakings, rather than use media unfairly as a platform to promote himself and thrive on unwarranted sensationalism. The re-release of Raanjhanaa in the Tamil market is part of Eros International's broader strategy to refresh and reintroduce classic cinematic works to newer audiences in regional markets. Over a decade since its original release, the film continues to resonate deeply, and the reinterpretation of its ending aims to extend its emotional legacy and relevance. This is a creative reimagining, not a replacement, and is consistent with global industry practices including anniversary editions, alternate cuts, and modernised remasters. We are the sole and exclusive copyright holder and producer of Raanjhanaa, and are fully entitled, both legally and ethically, to adapt and re-release the film. This includes re-imagining certain elements using advanced tools such as generative AI to reach newer audiences while preserving the original's artistic soul. Contrary to the claims of "artistic vandalism", our re-release is a respectful creative reinterpretation—clearly labelled and separate from the original version—offered as an addition to, not a replacement of, the original. Such practices are common in global cinema, and reflect our long-standing commitment to innovation, audience engagement, and cultural preservation. We reserve all our rights and intend to take all appropriate legal and remedial action to protect our reputation, brand equity, and commercial interests. It is important to bring to light that Eros has initiated legal proceedings before the Hon'ble National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai Bench, under Sections 241 and 242 of the Companies Act, 2013 against Colour Yellow Productions Pvt. Ltd., and its directors, Mr. Aanand L. Rai and Mrs. Yogita Rai. The allegations include serious acts of mismanagement, lack of transparency in financial disclosures, unauthorised and related-party transactions without board approvals. On June 24, 2025, the Tribunal acknowledged these concerns and has ordered interim relief in favour of Eros. Eros remains committed to celebrating Indian cinema, nurturing talent, and embracing technology responsibly. We urge the media and our audiences to see this situation in the light of facts, law, and the spirit of creative evolution.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Raanjhanaa' re-release: Director Anand L Rai and producer at loggerheads over AI-tweaked climax
The 2013 film Raanjhanaa is being re-released in Tamil Nadu with an altered AI-generated "happy" ending, a possible first for the industry that a heartbroken director Aanand L Rai terms "dystopian experiment" and producer Eros Media World describes as a "creative reimagining". The unrequited romance drama, starring Tamil superstar Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor, ended with the lead actor's death. Not anymore -- at least in the Tamil version. "The timeless love story returns to the big screen! #Ambikapathy re-releasing in theatres from August 1st... A new ending powered by AI," Upswing Entertainment said while making the announcement earlier this month. The Hindi film was released as Ambikapathy in the Tamil dubbed version in 2013. Eros has collaborated with Upswing Entertainment on regional market outreach and promotions for the Tamil language re-release. Rai was dismayed. "I'm heartbroken that this is the future we're heading toward, where intent and authorship are disposable. All I can do is dissociate myself from such a reckless and dystopian experiment," he said in a statement to PTI. 'Raanjhanaa didn't need a new climax. It had heart, and honesty. It became a cult film because people connected to it with its flaws, and imperfections. To see its ending altered without a word of discussion is a gross violation not just of the film, but of the trust of the fans who've carried the film in their hearts for 12 years,' the filmmaker said. Eros, in its response shared over mail with PTI, said the film's re-release is part of the company's broader strategy to refresh and reintroduce classic cinematic works to newer audiences in regional markets. "This is a creative reimagining, not a replacement, and is consistent with global industry practices including anniversary editions, alternate cuts, and modernised remasters," the company's group CEO Pradeep Dwivedi said. "We categorically reject Mr. Rai's allegations, which are not only factually incorrect but also legally unfounded. The re-release is a respectful reinterpretation and not a 'tampering' of the original. It is clearly positioned as an alternate, AI-enhanced version—akin to Classic cuts or re-edits seen globally." The producer of a cinematographic work, under Indian law, is its legal author and moral rights vest with the producer—not the director, the company added. Raanjhanaa was directed by Rai from a script penned by Himanshu Sharma. Set in Varanasi and Delhi, the story follows Kundan (Dhanush), a Hindu boy who falls in love with Zoya (Kapoor), a Muslim girl, from childhood. Towards the end of the film, Kundan is shot at a rally and dies later at a hospital. In Rai's view, Eros' actions in changing the end opens a "dangerous door". ALSO READ:Kriti Sanon starts shooting for 'Tere Ishk Mein' co-starring Dhanush 'They raise urgent legal and ethical questions of the impact of decisions like this on the moral rights of creators. Even worse is their apparent decision to alter the actors' contributions without their consent! How can they digitally manipulate an actor's input almost a decade after a film's release? This strips away their agency, and raise serious concerns under personality and image rights.' If such a move goes "unquestioned", he warned, it could set a precedent for similar actions in the future. "What stops anyone from 'updating' any film, performance, or legacy to suit short-term profiteering?" he asked. Eros said they have always been at the forefront of leveraging emerging technologies. The objective of the alternative ending is to enhance viewer engagement and present a fresh perspective—one that complements the original storyline and is clearly labelled as an alternate version. Asked if the film's team was kept in the loop, the company said Eros holds the sole and exclusive copyright and producer rights of Raanjhanaa, including the legal and moral rights under Indian law. "The reinterpretation has been developed with sensitivity and respect for the original creative team's contribution," Dwivedi said in the statement. The company said it has acknowledged "Mr Rai's concerns and responded to him respectfully, reiterating our legal position and creative intent". "We regret that he has chosen to publicly distance himself from the project, despite the film being a product of collaborative effort where rights are lawfully vested with the producer. Our re-release is an homage to the film's legacy, not a deviation from it. All rights, decisions, and creative control related to Raanjhanaa remain solely with Eros International Media Limited as the exclusive copyright holder," the company said. Rai is currently working on a follow-up to Raanjhanaa with Dhanush. Titled Tere Ishq Mein, the movie also stars Kriti Sanon and is set to be released in theatres worldwide on November 28.
