The AI-changed climax, particularly in the Tamil adaptation Ambikapathy, has gone deep into the hearts of Dhanush's fans.
In a decision that has created both buzz and outrage, Eros International re-released the 2013 romantic drama Raanjhanaa on August 1 with an AI-created ending that brings back the iconic character Kundan Shankar.
While the new version has created a deluge of feelings among fans, particularly those of Dhanush, who debuted in Hindi with the film, the director Aanand L Rai is reportedly irate, condemning the unauthorized edit of his original work.
The AI-changed climax, particularly in the Tamil adaptation Ambikapathy, has gone deep into the hearts of Dhanush's fans. In the original movie, Kundan succumbs to death after a poignant monologue on love and loss in Varanasi. But the AI ending drastically alters that—Kundan's eyes open, and he lives.
Social media was filled with fan responses upon the re-release. One such video shared on X (formerly Twitter) showed the excitement within a cinema hall, where fans could be heard whistling and cheering. The caption was, "AI version new climax response for #Ambikapathy re release. #IdlyKadai #Ambikapathy #Dhanush."
Other fans wrote sentimental messages, "My Kundhan Is Alive I'm so Emotional while watching. Thank You Al #Raanjhanaa."
#Raanjhanaa / #Ambikapathy gets a stunning twist with a new AI-created climax & it's that good, it lands right in the feels. Kundhan is alive. and so is our passion for this evergreen tale. AI just gave fans the closure they've always craved."
"Surprise AI Version climax. Kundan Is Alive."
"Our Kundan Is Alive #Ambikapathi New AI climax created realistically."
"Now I'm Happy Forever. @aanandlrai Sir I Agree No One Can Match Your Efforts As Original Making. But As a Dhanush Fanatic, We Loved To See Kundhan Alive. @dhanushkraja #Raanjhanaa #Ambikapathy."
Even one of the fans speculated about Dhanush's next film with Aanand L Rai, Tere Ishq Mein, and commented, "AI hai toh mumkin hai, Lekin Kundan agar nehi mara toh kya #TereIshqMein jo Shankar hai, wahi humara Kundan hai kya."
Aanand L Rai is far from happy despite all the hype, however. The critically acclaimed director, who penned Raanjhanaa with a tragic yet poetic ending, has been very concerned about the re-release modified by AI. He has condemned Eros International for altering his climax without his consent, calling it a breach of creative integrity.
In a series of interviews, Rai stated that the action opens a "dangerous precedent" for future film-making, particularly as the studios start experimenting with AI for reshaping content for profit.
First released in 2013, Raanjhanaa had Dhanush playing the role of Kundan Shankar, a rebellious Varanasi boy smitten by Zoya Haider (Sonam Kapoor). Abhay Deol played Akram Zaidi, who was subsequently discovered to be Jasjeet Singh Shergill. Praised for its gripping story, AR Rahman's compositions, and a sad climax, Raanjhanaa has continued to be a cult over the years.
While arguments rage regarding emotion and ethics, the AI-modified ending has unmistakably hit a chord with audiences, while even the filmmaker himself distances himself from this digitally brought-back version of Kundan's romance.
