Did Dhanush Just Reveal the AI-Altered Climax of Raanjhanaa Has Stripped the Film of Its Very Soul?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dhanush feels the AI-altered climax has taken away the film's essence.
- Director Aanand L Rai shares similar discontent.
- Both are calling for stricter regulations on AI in filmmaking.
- The alteration has sparked a debate within the film community.
- Concerns are raised about the future of artistic integrity in cinema.
Mumbai, Aug 3 (NationPress) Following director Aanand L Rai's expression of discontent, Dhanush has also expressed his dissatisfaction regarding the AI-modified climax in the re-released version of his 2013 film Raanjhanaa.
He argued that the AI-generated new ending has effectively robbed the film of its essence. Dhanush noted that Raanjhanaa was altered in spite of his protests.
Sharing his feelings on his X account, he stated, "The re-release of Raanjhanaa featuring an AI-modified climax has left me profoundly unsettled. This alternate ending has stripped the film of its very soul, and the involved parties proceeded despite my clear objections. This is not the film I signed up for 12 years ago."
Dhanush called for more stringent regulations concerning the use of AI in filmmaking to prevent such occurrences in the future.
He added, "The employment of AI to modify films or content sets a troubling precedent for both art and artists. It jeopardizes the integrity of storytelling and the heritage of cinema. I genuinely hope that stricter regulations are enacted to prevent such practices in the future."
Previously, Rai had shared his distress in an emotional social media post, stating, "The past three weeks have been surreal and deeply disheartening. Observing Raanjhanaa, a film born from care, conflict, collaboration, and creative risk, being altered, repackaged, and re-released without my knowledge or consent has been nothing short of devastating. The casualness with which it has been done makes it even worse."
The director referred to the AI version of the film as "a reckless takeover that strips the work of its intent, context, and soul."
Discontented with the AI version of Raanjhanaa, numerous others in the film industry, including Neeraj Pande, Kabir Khan, Kanika Dhillon, Varun Grover, Renuka Shahane, and Tanuj Garg, criticized the decision to modify the film's climax as "unethical."