Tensions over the re-release of Raanjhanaa increased once the AI-altered version was revealed. Fans are now posting videos that show what the ending of the Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor film looks like after seeing the updated version.
In a historic but contentious development, the 2013 Bollywood feature Raanjhanaa has been re-launched with an AI-injected happy conclusion. The film is a beautiful love story tragically concluded by director Anand L. Rai and features Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor. But in the new version, titled Ambikapathy for Tamil audiences, Kundan’s character, played by Dhanush, survives such a horrific twist is sure to prompt a strong reaction from fans and filmmakers alike.
Fan Reactions: Elation and Disappointment
The AI-implemented event has been received in varying degrees by the audiences. In various theaters across Tamil Nadu, when Kundan’s character opened his eyes and indicated that he was alive, people erupted in joy. Videos uploaded on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) showed the gatherings within the audience capturing that outburst and cheer.
Al-altered happy ending of Raanjhanaa. pic.twitter.com/1C954pEoTH
— The Cinéprism (@TheCineprism) August 1, 2025
One fan commented, “Crowd is cheering. They are getting the comfort for which they come for. What’s the harm!” Another commented, “This should be re-released with this ending.” Not all fans, however, were so optimistic about the new little tale. A few found that the moderated ending stripped the original movie of its high emotional weight, giving this remark to one critic, “Worst ending made ever. Killing the essence of the movie.”
Director’s Dismay: An Infringement of Creative Fidelity
Aanand L. Rai, the director, was very harsh on this act, lacking any permission of his work from him. Conversion of such kind is quite hurtful, and he is here referring to it through a rather finicky Instagram post that exposes Rai’s deep, emotional exclamations of the experience concerning the work as “deeply disheartening.” This work is born, nourished, and oftentimes bred in care, conflict, collaboration, and creative risk. Rai has just stated that watching Raanjhanaa being altered and repackaged and released without his knowledge and consent has been nothing short of devastating. Their sentiments are also echoed by Neeraj Pandey, who called the AI-modified ending “quite disrespectful,” and other filmmakers such as Neeraj Pandey.
However, the re-release held by Eros International Media has ignited a further debate on the involvement of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. Whereas for some this has highlighted AI forays into creative exploration, others would deem it to be an infringement upon the artistic vision and ownership of the original creators. It has underscored the contest toward formation of rules and ethical considerations for intervention of AI in creational fields.
About Raanjhanaa
Aanand L. Rai is the director and Himanshu Sharma is the writer of the love drama Raanjhanaa (2013). Abhay Deol also appears in the movie. Raanjhanaa was released on June 21, 2013, and Ambikapathy, which was dubbed into Tamil, followed a week later. On November 28 of this year, Tere Ishk Mein, a stand-alone sequel, will be released.
