Latest news with #SonamKapoor
The Independent
a day 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
2 days 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.
Deccan Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Deccan Herald
'Raanjhanaa' to get happy AI end in Tamil, producer and director at loggerheads over ethicality
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.
News18
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Arjun Kapoor Is Proud Of Sonam Kapoor, Rhea: ‘I See You Guys Raise The Bar'
Sonam Kapoor recently made a stylish appearance at the Wimbledon 2025 Men's Singles Final. OG style icon and Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor made a stylish appearance at the Wimbledon 2025 Men's Singles Final. Styled by her sister and renowned celebrity stylist Rhea Kapoor, along with Chandni Modha and assistant Sanya Kapoor, the actress turned heads in a head-to-toe Ralph Lauren ensemble. Exuding boss lady vibes, the OG fashionista sported a striped washed jacket and trousers paired with a relaxed light blue shirt. Well, now, Arjun Kapoor is beaming with pride watching her sister achieve big in life. Celebrating the moment, the brother and actor took to social media to express his happiness. Sharing an Instagram Story featuring Sonam, he penned, '@sonamkapoor & @rheakapoor. As a brother and someone who's seen both of you grow personally and professionally, I feel so happy every time I see you guys raise the bar with time… Keep going always, @britishvogue and sonamkapoor." Speaking about her experience at Wimbledon, Sonam Kapoor told British Vogue, 'I always loved sports growing up, and I remember I specifically loved watching Wimbledon. I thought it was beautiful and civilised and elegant, a total amalgamation of sport and fashion, which is completely my vibe." Now let's talk about their work front. Arjun Kapoor was most recently seen in Mere Husband Ki Biwi. The romantic comedy, directed by Mudassar Aziz, featured two female leads, Bhumi Pednekar and Rakul Preet Singh. Released earlier this year, the film tanked at the box office as the storyline failed to impress viewers. Looking ahead, the actor is gearing up for the highly anticipated film No Entry 2. The sequel, directed by Anees Bazmee, features Diljit Dosanjh and Varun Dhawan in pivotal roles. The comedy film is being bankrolled by Boney Kapoor and is slated to release in theatres during the Diwali weekend, October 26. As for Sonam Kapoor, the actress will make her much-awaited comeback on the big screen with Battle of Bittora. The film is an adaptation of Anuja Chauhan's 2010 best-selling novel of the same name. Produced under the banner of Anil Kapoor Film and Communication Network, the film shows the love story between two upcoming politicians who, despite being in love, are contesting elections against each other. First Published: July 15, 2025, 18:12 IST 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.
NDTV
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Sophie Choudry Slams Bollywood Celebrities, "Please Do Not Let Wimbledon Become The Next Cannes"
New Delhi: Over the last few days, the internet has been abuzz with pictures and videos of celebrities attending Wimbledon 2025. Sophie Choudry, however, has slammed the trend. On Thursday, July 15, the singer, actress shared an elaborate note on her Instagram Stories, criticising the growing obsession with turning Wimbledon into a fashion runway rather than appreciating the sport itself. Sophie Choudry wrote, "Oh Lord. Please do not let Wimbledon become the next Cannes." Speaking about her love for tennis, the 43-year-old said, "I have been an avid tennis lover for more than 30 years. Have literally shed tears of joy and pain over my favourites – Sampras (a legit obsession at one time), Agassi, Nadal and now Alcaraz. Have scheduled watching matches between revising for school exams. Was fortunate enough to see the legend Martina Navratilova play in her last Wimbledon final, amongst other epic matches – before it was all about an Insta post." She added, "But this year I am suddenly seeing countless 'influencers', 'celebs' from India going there just to be seen. I am not denying that some genuinely love the game, but many are there just to pose for social media. They have zero clue or interest in the game or those playing it." On a concluding note Sophie Choudry shared, "It is just Ughhh. Please let us not ruin one of the most beautiful tournaments in the world." Contrary to Sophie Choudry's opinion, Sonam Kapoor had a positive stance on celebs about the 'desification' at Wimbledon. On an Instagram post uploaded by anonymous fashion critic handle Diet Sabya, the actress commented, "Love the captions! Indians everywhere. So good na?" View this post on Instagram A post shared by DietSabya® (@dietsabya) Some of the prominent personalities who attended Wimbledon this year were Anushka Sharma-Virat Kohli, Priyanka Chopra-Nick Jonas, Parineeti Chopra-Raghav Chadha, Farhan Akhtar-Shibani Dandekar, Janhvi Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Preity Zinta, and Urvashi Rautela. The Wimbledon finals saw Jannik Sinner beating Carlos Alcaraz in a hard-hitting clash. Wimbledon celebrated the win by paying a tribute to Indian cinema, honouring Thalapathy Vijay and his upcoming film Jana Nayagan.
