‘Disturbing and soulless’: Dhanush bashes AI version of ‘Raanjhanaa’

WEB DESK: Popular Tamil movies actor Dhanush K Raja expressed strong disapproval of an AI version of his much loved film Raanjhaana, revealing that the production house Eros International went ahead with AI-altered aspects despite his objections. “This alternate ending has stripped the film of its very soul, and the concerned parties went ahead with it despite my clear objection,” he said. 

The original film from 2013 features Dhanush’s character Kundan meeting his end in the climax, but it has been re-released in Tamil Nadu with a new “happily ever after” conclusion generated using AI tools.

Sonam Kapoor starrer Raanjhaana‘s director, Annad L. Rai, had shown also his disapproval towards this stunt, stating: “It is unauthorised. I had no role in it. Neither did the team that made the film. And whatever it claims to be, it is not the film we intended or made.”

He strongly criticised the use of AI to alter the creativity put in by the team. “This was never just a film to us. It was shaped by human hands, human flaws, and human feeling. What’s now being circulated is not a tribute. It is a reckless takeover that strips the work of its intent, its context, and its soul.”

O Dear Bollywood!

The Raanjhanaa controversy arises following a similar discussion surrounding Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman, who used AI to recreate the voices of late singers Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed for the track Thimiri Yezhuda in the movie Lal Salaam. 

This action ignited a public backlash, as critics expressed legal and ethical worries about the digital revival of deceased artists. While some in Bollywood viewed the act as a tribute, others cautioned that it could establish a troubling precedent, potentially compromising human talent and distorting emotional authenticity in artistic expression.

Bollywood labels seek to challenge OpenAI in copyright lawsuit

The controversy over the AI-altered version of Raanjhanaa shows the growing conflict between technology and artistic integrity. Actors like Dhanush and filmmakers like Anand L. Rai are pushing back against unauthorised AI changes. Their reactions highlight an important discussion: while AI can create new opportunities, its unchecked use risks damaging the emotional depth, teamwork, and human touch that are essential to cinema.