Latest news with #ErosInternational
The Independent
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
2013 Bollywood film to be re-released with AI-modified happy ending as director slams move
A 2013 Bollywood hit is being re-released with an AI-generated happy ending without informing either its stars or director. The Hindi romantic drama Raanjhanaa is set to return to theatres in the South Indian state Tamil Nadu on 1 August under its dubbed Tamil title Ambikapathy, with an altered climax generated using artificial intelligence, according to the Press Trust of India. Directed by Aanand L Rai and produced by Eros International, the film starred Tamil actor Dhanush in his Hindi debut alongside Sonam Kapoor, and follows the story of Kundan (Dhanush), a spirited Hindu boy from Varanasi who harbours a lifelong love for Zoya (Kapoor), a Muslim girl from his neighbourhood. The original version ended tragically with the death of Kundan, a finale that, according to Rai, was integral to the film's emotional core. The new version replaces that with an ending in which Kundan survives. According to Eros chief executive Pradeep Dwivedi, the new climax is meant to offer a 'fresh emotional perspective' on the film for a new regional audience. He said Eros owned the 'sole and exclusive copyright' to the film and that creatives like Rai, Dhanush and Kapoor had signed contracts waiving any 'moral rights' to be involved in future adaptations or releases. He told The Independent that the AI re-release was consistent with 'industry-wide trends where celebrated films are re-released in alternate cuts, director's editions, or digitally remastered formats – not as replacements but as commemorative or creative variations'. 'The potential of generative AI as a powerful new tool that, when used with care and clarity, can extend the cultural relevance of a story without erasing its original impact,' he said. Rai, who co-produced Raanjhanaa through his company Colour Yellow Productions, described the move as a 'reckless and dystopian experiment'. 'I got to know through a social media announcement a couple of days ago. People have already been messaging me asking me why that ending is being changed. I just can't wrap my head around this,' he told Screen. The director said neither he nor the lead actors were consulted or informed about the AI-generated change. ' 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,' he told NDTV. 'Eros's actions open a dangerous door. They raise urgent legal and ethical questions about 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?' Dwivedi said Eros had responded to Rai's concerns 'with courtesy and transparency' while also noting that they came amid ongoing legal proceedings it has initiated against him and his production house, alleging mismanagement and financial irregularities. The Independent has approached representatives for Rai, Dhanush and Kapoor for comment. Raanjhanaa was a major critical and commercial success in India upon its release in 2013, but generated a conversation around its controversial gender dynamics and the obsessive nature of the protagonist's love. The film, made on a budget of Rs 360m (approximately £3.1m), grossed Rs 1.05bn (approximately £9.04m) at the box office worldwide.
The Independent
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Bollywood romantic drama to be re-released in theatres with AI-modified happy ending
A 2013 Bollywood hit is being re-released with an AI-generated happy ending without informing either its stars or director. The Hindi romantic drama Raanjhanaa is set to return to theatres in the South Indian state Tamil Nadu on 1 August under its dubbed Tamil title Ambikapathy, with an altered climax generated using artificial intelligence, according to the Press Trust of India. Directed by Aanand L Rai and produced by Eros International, the film starred Tamil actor Dhanush in his Hindi debut alongside Sonam Kapoor, and follows the story of Kundan (Dhanush), a spirited Hindu boy from Varanasi who harbours a lifelong love for Zoya (Kapoor), a Muslim girl from his neighbourhood. The original version ended tragically with the death of Kundan, a finale that, according to Rai, was integral to the film's emotional core. The new version replaces that with an ending in which Kundan survives. According to Eros chief executive Pradeep Dwivedi, the new climax is meant to offer a 'fresh emotional perspective' on the film for a new regional audience. He said Eros owned the 'sole and exclusive copyright' to the film and that creatives like Rai, Dhanush and Kapoor had signed contracts waiving any 'moral rights' to be involved in future adaptations or releases. He told The Independent that the AI re-release was consistent with 'industry-wide trends where celebrated films are re-released in alternate cuts, director's editions, or digitally remastered formats – not as replacements but as commemorative or creative variations'. 'The potential of generative AI as a powerful new tool that, when used with care and clarity, can extend the cultural relevance of a story without erasing its original impact,' he said. Rai, who co-produced Raanjhanaa through his company Colour Yellow Productions, described the move as a 'reckless and dystopian experiment'. 'I got to know through a social media announcement a couple of days ago. People have already been messaging me asking me why that ending is being changed. I just can't wrap my head around this,' he told Screen. The director said neither he nor the lead actors were consulted or informed about the AI-generated change. ' 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,' he told NDTV. 'Eros's actions open a dangerous door. They raise urgent legal and ethical questions about 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?' Dwivedi said Eros had responded to Rai's concerns 'with courtesy and transparency' while also noting that they came amid ongoing legal proceedings it has initiated against him and his production house, alleging mismanagement and financial irregularities. The Independent has approached representatives for Rai, Dhanush and Kapoor for comment. Raanjhanaa was a major critical and commercial success in India upon its release in 2013, but generated a conversation around its controversial gender dynamics and the obsessive nature of the protagonist's love. The film, made on a budget of Rs 360m (approximately £3.1m), grossed Rs 1.05bn (approximately £9.04m) at the box office worldwide.
News18
2 days ago
- 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
3 days ago
- 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.
Time of India
3 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.
