Anand L Rai, speaking with the news agency PTI said, "I’m heartbroken that this is the future we’re heading toward, where intent and authorship are disposable. All I can do is dissociate myself from such a reckless and dystopian experiment."
Published Jul 21, 2025 | 1:20 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 21, 2025 | 1:20 PM
AI ending in Tamil version of 'Raanjhanaa' re-release. (X)
The 2013 romantic drama Raanjhanaa starring Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor is set for a release on 1 August.
However, the film is now caught in controversy, with reports suggesting that the Tamil version titled Ambikapathy will re-release with an alternate AI powered “happy ending”.
According to The Hindu report, Eros has collaborated with Upswing Entertainment on regional market outreach and promotions for the Tamil language re-release.
“The timeless love story returns to the big screen! #Ambikapathy re-releasing in theatres from August 1st… A new ending powered by AI,” Upswing Entertainment wrote on their social media handles.
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The film’s director, Anand L Rai, speaking with the news agency PTI expressed his disappointment over the move, and said, “I’m heartbroken that this is the future we’re heading toward, where intent and authorship are disposable. All I can do is dissociate myself from such a reckless and dystopian experiment.”
“Raanjhanaa didn’t need a new climax. It had heart, and honesty. It became a cult film because people connected to it with its flaws, and imperfections. To see its ending altered without a word of discussion is a gross violation not just of the film, but of the trust of the fans who’ve carried the film in their hearts for 12 years,” the filmmaker said.
Responding to the director, the production house, Eros released a statement, in which they denied that ending is a replacement, but a “creative reimagining.”
“This is a creative reimagining, not a replacement, and is consistent with global industry practices including anniversary editions, alternate cuts, and modernised remasters,” the company’s group CEO Pradeep Dwivedi said in a statement shared over mail to PTI.
“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.”
The 2013 hit, told the story of Kundan and Zoya(played by Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor), which ends tragically, as Kundan dies.
Meanwhile the actor director duo have recently wrapped their new collaboration Tere Ishq Mein.
