Aanand L Rai has objected to the AI-generated alternate ending of Raanjhanaa, set to be re-released by Eros International without his consent. He plans to disassociate his name from the film, calling the move a disrespect to the original story and its emotions
L- Aanand L Rai; R- Dhanush in Raanjhanaa
Aanand L Rai's romantic drama Raanjhanaa was released in theatres in 2013. Even after all these years, it is remembered fondly for its performances, plot, and music. The film, starring Dhanush, Sonam Kapoor, and Abhay Deol, has a tragic ending with Dhanush’s character, Kundan, dying after being shot. The team recently reunited to celebrate 12 years since the film’s release. Now, Raanjhanaa is set to re-release in theatres on August 1. However, Rai is not on board with this decision.
Raanjhanaa re-release with AI twist
It turns out the re-release by Eros International will feature an Artificial Intelligence-driven climax. The marketing posters claim the re-release will have “a new ending powered by Artificial Intelligence.” Rai, who directed and produced the film under his banner Color Yellow Productions, was not consulted by the studio.
Talking to Indian Express about the new ending, Rai said, “I got to know about it through a social media announcement a couple of days ago. People have already been messaging me, asking why the ending is being changed. I just can’t wrap my head around this". The filmmaker expressed his objection to the studio but they did not agree with him. He then asked the studio not to associate his name with the AI-altered ending version.
He further said, “I don’t get it. How can they do this? It’s an ending people have loved! If not the filmmaker, at least listen to the audience".
AI-ending to have happy ending
Reportedly, the alternate AI-created ending will see Kundan survive. “What is a happy ending? It’s a tragedy, that’s an emotion. How can you meddle with emotions? The voice of the film lies in that ending,” Rai adds.
“The only good thing that’s come out of this is I’ve learnt my lesson. I need to be very careful while signing on the dotted line. I’m dealing with this now, but other filmmakers should learn from it. A studio doesn’t care about the story. Just to earn a few crores, they’re tampering with a writer’s, director’s, and actor’s creation,” said Rai.
Reportedly, Eros has sold the new print to Upswing Entertainment, a distributor in Tamil Nadu. Rai feels the studio may have earned some money through the distribution but believes there will be a long-term impact of this business move. He said, “They’ll realize it soon when the actors and the audience get back to them. No actor would want to work with them now. Maybe they don’t want to work with actors anymore. They plan to make films with AI only,” concluded Rai.
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