The Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor-starrer Raanjhanaa (2013) is re-releasing in theatres on August 1. However, this is unlike the spate of re-releases we’ve seen in recent times. Why? There’s a major plot twist here. Promotional posters tease “a new ending powered by Artificial Intelligence,” sparking both curiosity and controversy. Director and co-producer Aanand L Rai has voiced strong objections, stating that he was neither informed nor consulted by the studio, Eros International, before such a significant alteration was made to his original film.

Deeply upset about the altered climax, in a statement, Rai said, “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.”

Reportedly, Eros International has sold the AI-edited version of the film to a Tamil Nadu-based distributor. Rai added, “Eros’s actions open a dangerous door. They raise urgent legal and ethical questions, of the impact of decisions like this on the moral rights of creators. Even worse is their apparent decision to alter the actors’ contributions without their consent! How can they digitally manipulate an actor’s input almost a decade after a film’s release? This strips away their agency and raises serious concerns under personality and image rights. If this goes unquestioned, what stops anyone from 'updating' any film, performance, or legacy to suit short-term profiteering?”