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Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Raanjhanaa's AI-altered re-release: Why director Aanand L Rai is unhappy, what the law says
The 2013 romantic drama Raanjhanaa, starring Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor, is being re-released in theatres with a new AI-assisted ending. The production house, Eros International, has announced that the film will now include a new climax created with the help of artificial intelligence. The change is being promoted as a way to offer the audience a 'happy ending' to the original story. However, the film's original director and co-producer, Aanand L Rai, has publicly distanced himself from the re-release. In a statement to The Indian Express, he said, 'I've to be very careful while signing the dotted line.' He added, 'AI is the future. Everybody knows that. But then use it for the future or for the present. Don't use it to distort the past!' Eros, on the other hand, has maintained that it holds complete rights to the film and is within its legal bounds to alter it. In its view, using AI is simply a means to connect with evolving technology. This clash between artistic and commercial ownership has sparked broader questions about creative control, technological intervention, and the fine legal line between them. Why is the re-release happening? Raanjhanaa, directed by Aanand L Rai and written by Himanshu Sharma, is widely regarded as one of the most impactful Hindi films of the 2010s. The film, starring Dhanush, Sonam Kapoor, and Abhay Deol, explored themes of unrequited love, caste, and political ambition through the tragic arc of Kundan (Dhanush), a Hindu boy hopelessly in love with a Muslim girl, Zoya (Sonam Kapoor). The film received critical acclaim and went on to win numerous awards. More than a decade later, the production house has decided to re-release the film with a new AI-assisted ending, one they say is a 'respectful creative reinterpretation'. This alteration was done without the knowledge or consent of the director. Rai has been vocal in his criticism, expressing emotional and creative disapproval. Legally, however, Rai's disapproval does not stand much ground because, under Indian Copyright Law, the rights to a cinematograph film typically rest with the producer or production house, in this case, Eros International, not with the director. The controversy is not just about one film. It brings into focus broader concerns in the film industry: Who controls the final cut, what counts as 'authorship' in the age of AI, and whether artistic integrity can survive? While the director's outrage may be creatively valid, the law, as it stands, doesn't offer much recourse. 'Under Indian Copyright Law section 2(d), the author of a cinematograph film is the producer,' explains advocate Ankit Sahni. 'The director, unless they have a specific contract that grants them ownership or economic rights, cannot claim any legal control over the film.' According to Section 14 of the Copyright Act, the copyright owner has the exclusive right to adapt, reproduce, and communicate the work to the public. Section 2(d) clearly defines the 'author' of a cinematograph film as the producer, not the director, writer, or editor. Directors do not enjoy moral rights under Section 57 unless they are also credited as the author in another capacity, such as screenwriter or performer. This means that, unless Aanand L Rai retained specific rights in his contract with Eros, he cannot stop the production house from modifying or re-releasing the film, even using AI. As for AI-generated content, there is no standalone law in India yet. 'As per a Parliamentary statement, India currently protects AI-assisted works, as long as there is a significant human contribution,' explains Sahni. Fully autonomous AI creations or such works with minimal human contribution are not protected by copyright. 'In this case, if they are admitting the use of AI, it could mean three things. AI has contributed to suggesting changes to the plot, writing new dialogues, and/or animation using generative AI,' says Sahni. 'If the new ending was created with the help of AI, it would still be protected, provided enough human input was involved,' Sahni adds. Ultimately, the law prioritises ownership and contract over sentiment or creative authorship. The Raanjhanaa case may be emotionally charged, but it's unlikely to lead to legal redress, unless the law itself evolves. What does it say about the larger AI debate? The Raanjhanaa controversy is more than a clash between a director and a production house; it signals a deeper and rapidly evolving debate about AI's role in art, authorship, and ownership. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into creative processes, questions emerge about what constitutes 'authentic' art and who controls its future. Is a story still the director's vision if it can be altered in the future by AI? Across the globe, filmmakers have employed AI in controversial ways. In The Brutalist (2024), AI refined actors' Hungarian accents and generated architectural visuals, and in Roadrunner (2021), the director used AI to recreate Anthony Bourdain's voice for lines he never recorded. Closer home, AI was used to create a credibly younger version of actor Mammootty in the Malayalam movie, Rekhachitram (2025). Legally, the ground is still shifting. While Indian copyright law protects works created by humans, it does not yet fully recognise autonomous AI creations. At the heart of this legal vacuum is a deeper question: should commercial stakeholders be allowed to override original artistic expression using technology, even if the law permits it? The Raanjhanaa case highlights this dilemma, where a film that once carried the emotional signature of its director is now reshaped without his consent. As AI tools grow more powerful, the need to revisit legal frameworks and ethical boundaries in the creative industry becomes important. The writer is a student who is a summer intern at The Indian Express.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
When Dhanush revealed Aanand L Rai put in his own money to hire him for Raanjhanaa: ‘They didn't have the right kind of budget for me'
Dhanush, a force to reckon with in the Tamil film industry, made a memorable Bollywood debut with Aanand L Rai's 2013 romantic drama Raanjhanaa. He played Kundan, a Varanasi boy who goes from being an unrequited lover to a key political voice in New Delhi. The actor revealed last month on the film's 12th anniversary that he almost didn't do the film because of budgetary constraints. 'At that time, they didn't have the right kind of budget for hiring me as the lead actor. But this man's (Aanand L Rai) passion was so strong that he just wanted me to play Kundan. He could have offered any actor this part and they would have happily come on board. After all, it's such a great part,' said Dhanush at a special fan screening of Raanjhanaa. 'But he went against all odds. I don't know I am supposed to say this and I don't care! He invested his own money as well. He went all out (to cast me). He saw Kundan in me and he stayed true to his vision,' added Dhanush. The actor confessed that he didn't feel as nervous on his debut Tamil film as he did on his first Hindi film, for the same reason. 'I was not scared during my first film. When I was written off, I was not scared. That's how I am. But for the first time, I was scared. I felt responsible. So, I was praying so hard to God that 'Somehow save this man,'' said Dhanush, adding, 'They made a cult classic. It is not the story of Kundan and Zoya. It is the story of two mad men who believed in this.' Also Read: Eros denies Aanand L Rai's stand on re-release of Raanjhanaa, says using AI to present 'a respectful creative reinterpretation' of original Raanjhanaa also stars Sonam Kapoor, Abhay Deol, Swara Bhaskar, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub. Last year, in an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Aanand L Rai also revealed he initially planned to cast Ranbir Kapoor for Kundan's role. 'An actor who keeps himself simple and lets himself blend into the crowd, which is a difficult thing, I believe Ranbir Kapoor is like this, but he was not available at that time and as we were searching for such an actor, we found Dhanush,' said Rai, who went on to collaborate with Dhanush in the 2021 film Atrangi Re and the upcoming movie Tere Ishq Mein, which is from 'the same world as Raanjhanaa.'
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'We are exploring legal possibilities,' says Aanand L Rai, who is still in shock over makers giving ‘Raanjhanaa' a happy ending via AI
'Raanjhaana' is one of the most celebrated love stories of Bollywood, which has been melting hearts for years. And thus, when the news of the movie's re-release came out, fans couldn't hold their excitement. However, this re-release is going to come with a twist; an AI twist. The makers announced that the re-release of 'Raanjhanaa' will have a happy ending, where Dhanush will not die. This decision of the makers hasn't gone down well with the film's director Aanand L Rai. Though the director revealed he is still in shock, he simply isn't mincing his words to express his frustration over the matter. In an exclusive interview with us, Aanand L Rai even shared that he is exploring legal possibilities as well in the matter. Aanand L Rai says he is still in shock 'I am still in a state of shock! I am trying to process the significance of what's being done here. Is this really happening? And you know what is most disturbing? I got to know about this through media outlets,' said the filmmaker. 'When I read about the ending being changed from a tragic to a happy one, I thought it was some kind of a joke. Who does something like this seriously? Sadly, this is not a joke. And now I am afraid for the future of our cinema,' he added. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Writing in English Doesn't Have to Feel Hard Grammarly Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola No response from Eros When we asked Aanand Rai if he tried to contact Eros, he replied, 'I did. There was no response. But my office did receive an email explaining their plans.' 'I still don't understand what this means and what they mean to achieve by this,' he quoted. Anand L Rai says, 'We are exploring legal possibilities" Further, in the conversation, when asked about what steps the director is taking in the matter, he mentioned, 'I have already complained to the directors' guild. We are exploring legal possibilities.' 'What is reassuring is the support we are getting from within the industry. My battle ahead is not for myself alone. If we allow this to happen, the impact will be felt by all filmmakers and their films,' concluded the director.
News18
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Aanand L Rai On Dhanush And Sonam Kapoor's Reaction To Raanjhanaa's Altered Ending: ‘Nobody Approves Of This'
Aanand L Rai slams Raanjhanaa's AI-altered ending, says neither Dhanush nor Sonam Kapoor approved the change. He plans to remove his name from the new version. Filmmaker Aanand L Rai has been openly expressing his displeasure over Eros International's decision to revise the ending of his cult classic Raanjhanaa with the help of AI. Now, the director, in a recent conversation, shared the reaction of the film's leads, Sonam Kapoor and Dhanush, to this news. While speaking to Times Now, Rai shared, 'Nobody approves of this. Who would like it, and why? A character that has already been established—it takes years to truly live a story. An actor invests a major part of their life into it, and you suddenly want to change it? How is that even possible?" 'There's always a reason why a story is told. What is the intention behind telling this particular story? It belongs to a genre called tragedy, which has its own flavour. The audience connects with it. You can't simply change a story by rewriting the ending. An actor brings layers of emotions to a character, which actually gives weight to the genre. You can't just say, 'Let's change the ending, now no one dies, and everyone lives happily.' That's not how stories are told," he further continued and added. Rai has already raised his objections with Eros over the AI-created alternate ending in the re-release, making it clear he did not approve of the change. However, since the studio has neither agreed nor acted on his concerns, he now plans to send a formal letter demanding his name be removed from the AI-altered version. In the original ending of Raanjhanaa, Dhanush's character, Kundan, dies. But in the AI-modified version, the story takes a different path, with Kundan surviving and the film concluding on a happier note. For the unversed, Aanand L Rai has previously collaborated with Dhanush in Atrangi Re. They are working on their third film together, Tere Ishk Mein, with Kriti Sanon. Why did Eros alter the ending of Raanjhanaa? In a statement to PTI, the company's Group CEO, Pradeep Dwivedi, said, 'This is a creative reimagining, not a replacement, and is consistent with global industry practices, including anniversary editions, alternate cuts, and modernised remasters. 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." First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Eros hits back at Aanand L Rai after the director expresses displeasure over the studio altering the film's ending with AI without consent
Filmmaker Aanand L Rai has voiced strong disapproval over Eros International's move to alter the ending of his 2013 romantic drama Raanjhanaa using artificial intelligence. The acclaimed director, who crafted the film's tragic yet emotionally resonant finale, expressed sadness at what he views as an interference with his original vision. However, the studio has since issued a pointed rebuttal, firmly denying any allegations of tampering. Rai had said, "Eros's actions open a dangerous door. 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 this goes unquestioned, what stops anyone from 'updating" any film, performance, or legacy to suit short-term profiteering?" Now the company has hit back at the film-maker. In an official statement to PTI, Eros Group CEO Pradeep Dwivedi clarified their stance, stating, 'This is a creative reimagining, not a replacement, and is consistent with global industry practices, including anniversary editions, alternate cuts, and modernised remasters. 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." When questioned about whether the Raanjhanaa team had been consulted prior to the revision, the studio asserted its legal authority. It emphasized that it owns the 'sole and exclusive copyright of the film,' and that the new version was developed 'with sensitivity and respect for the original creative team's contribution.' Eros also noted that they 'tried to acknowledge Aanand's concerns and responded to him respectfully,' but added 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." The controversy deepened as reports surfaced about the updated AI-driven version of Raanjhanaa being sold to Tamil Nadu-based distributor Upswing Entertainment for a regional re-release in Tamil. Rai reportedly believes this decision was strategic—aiming to test the altered version in a region where his influence is limited, but where lead actor Dhanush continues to enjoy massive popularity. In stark contrast to the original, where Dhanush's character Kundan meets a tragic end, the AI-revised cut flips the narrative with a feel-good twist—Kundan survives, and the film closes on a hopeful note. While the creative clash continues to stir debate, one thing is clear: Raanjhanaa's legacy now finds itself at the center of a broader conversation around AI, artistic ownership, and the future of storytelling. Meanwhile, Rai and Dhanush have moved forward, currently working on their next project, Tere Ishk Mein, alongside actress Kriti Sanon.
