Aanand L Rai’s 2013 romantic drama Raanjhanaa is all set to return to theatres on August 1, 2025, marking its 12th anniversary. However, the re-release has sparked controversy, as it features an alternate AI-generated ending — a decision that has upset Rai, the film's director and co-producer. Talking to Screen by The Indian Express, the veteran director stated that he came to know about the AI-altered Raanjhanaa re-release via social media and was taken aback by the decision.

In the original climax, Dhanush’s character Kundan dies, fully aware of the conspiracy surrounding his death but still choosing to accept it for his love, Zoya (played by Sonam Kapoor). This emotional and tragic conclusion, while divisive, resonated with many fans and remains a defining aspect of the film.  

As quoted in the The Indian Express report, the studio Eros International went ahead with this move without Rai’s consultation.

The director revealed that people had already begun questioning the change and expressed that he couldn’t comprehend the studio's move. Despite reaching out to Eros International to express his disapproval, his concerns were reportedly dismissed. Rai now plans to send a formal request to dissociate his name from the reworked version.

The new ending, which allows the lead character Kundan to survive, troubled Rai deeply. He questioned the need to redefine what constitutes a happy ending, asserting that tragedy, too, holds emotional value. He emphasized that the emotional weight and voice of the film lie in its original conclusion and altering it undermines its core.

Rai warned that such a decision could set a harmful precedent, suggesting that studios are prioritizing quick profits over storytelling and artistic contribution. He pointed out that Eros had already sold the altered version to to Upswing Entertainment for distribution in Tamil Nadu, where Dhanush has a massive fanbase. He conveyed his worry that he is also responsible for the image of his actor.

While Rai clarified he is not against the use of AI in filmmaking, he stressed the importance of using it to enhance future storytelling rather than revising completed work. He likened the situation to a hypothetical scenario, saying, “Next thing we know, they may change the climax of Sholay (1975) by keeping both Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra) alive.”

The incident has now opened up a debate about how AI can enrich filmmaking by improving visuals and workflows. However, altering completed works without creative consent risks devaluing artistic intent, disrupting cultural memory, and harming stakeholder trust.