‘My loyalty is with the...’ Farhan Akhtar comments on AI-altered climax of ‘Raanjhanaa’
Mumbai: Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding the AI-altered re-release of the 2013 film Raanjhanaa, stating that his loyalty lies firmly with the original creator of the work.
Speaking at the teaser launch of his upcoming war drama 120 Bahadur, Akhtar commented on the backlash faced by production house Eros International for digitally reworking the film’s ending using artificial intelligence, without the consent of its director Anand L Rai or lead actor Dhanush.
“I will always stand with the creator of the film,” Akhtar said. “If the creator is unhappy about his or her work being changed, I will always support them. That’s where my loyalty lies. As for the rest, I don’t know the details.”
Ritesh Sidhwani, co-founder of Excel Entertainment and producer of 120 Bahadur, echoed Akhtar’s sentiments, stressing that AI must not be used to override creative ownership. “You can’t do it without the filmmaker’s consent,” he said, though adding that AI can be used smartly to support a film when done ethically.
Farhan Akhtar is set to portray the legendary Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Shaitan Singh Bhati in 120 Bahadur, which is based on the real-life heroism of 120 Indian soldiers who defended Rezang La against over 3,000 Chinese troops during the 1962 Sino-Indian war.
The film is directed by Razneesh Ghai and produced by Sidhwani and Akhtar through Excel Entertainment, in collaboration with Amit Chandrra of Trigger Happy Studios. The cast also includes Jinkya Ramesh Deo, Eijaz Khan, Vivian Bathena, Ankit Siwach, and Rashii Khanna.
Akhtar, who previously directed the war film Lakshya (2004), said 120 Bahadur aims to inspire more filmmakers to delve into India’s rich military history. “We have incredible moments of bravery, courage, and decisions taken in extreme adversity that have shaped the country we are today,” he remarked.
Director Ghai shared that the story had been with him for years. “I grew up with it. It took me eight years to get it to where it is now,” he said.
120 Bahadur is slated for theatrical release on 21 November 2025.