Raanjhanaa, starring Sonam Kapoor and Dhanush, originally released in 2013, is set to return to theatres on August 1 after over a decade. However, controversy erupted when director Aanand L Rai expressed his disappointment with production house Eros International for altering the film’s climax, now created using Artificial Intelligence (AI), without consulting him. Now, Eros Media World’s Group CEO, Pradeep Dwivedi, has responded to Rai's claims, denying any wrongdoing and calling the new ending a 'creative reimagining.'
Eros Responds On Aanand L Rai's Claims On AI Ending
In a statement to news agency PTI, Eros said, "This is a creative reimagining, not a replacement, and is consistent with global industry practices, including anniversary editions, alternate cuts, and modernised remasters. We categorically reject Mr Rai’s allegations, which are not only factually incorrect but also legally unfounded. The re-release is a respectful reinterpretation and not a 'tampering' of the original. It is clearly positioned as an alternate, AI-enhanced version—akin to Classic cuts or re-edits seen globally."
Eros further stated that the alternate ending aims to enhance viewer engagement and offer a fresh perspective, complementing the original storyline and clearly labelled as an alternate version.
What Aanand L Rai Said
"I just can't wrap my head around this. 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," he told Indian Express. "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," he added.
The filmmaker revealed that he found out about the changes through a social media announcement a few days ago, after people began messaging him about it.
Rai went on to say that he has now learnt his lesson and will be careful going forward.
Aanand L Rai’s next film, Tere Ishk Mein, starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon, is slated for release on November 28.
