In a shocking turn of events that has sparked a new debate around artificial intelligence and artistic integrity, actor Dhanush has strongly criticized an AI-generated alternate ending of his iconic film Raanjhanaa, calling it a “complete distortion” of the film’s essence. The AI-edited version, which has gone viral on social media, rewrites the tragic ending of Raanjhanaa, giving it a happy conclusion where Kundan (played by Dhanush) survives and unites with Zoya (played by Sonam Kapoor).
The actor, who received widespread acclaim for his emotionally charged role in Raanjhanaa, did not hold back in expressing his anger. “That ending was not just a narrative decision—it was the soul of the story,” said Dhanush in an official statement. “To alter it using AI for entertainment or clicks completely strips the film of its soul and emotional depth.”
The Controversial AI-Edited Ending
The AI-generated alternate ending of Raanjhanaa was initially shared on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, where it gained millions of views. In the modified version, Kundan recovers from his fatal injuries and Zoya, after a change of heart, accepts his love. The visuals were digitally manipulated using deepfake technology and generative AI tools that altered facial expressions and dialogues to match the new storyline.
While many fans praised the innovation and creativity behind the edit, purists and the film’s original crew expressed concerns over how such edits could compromise the artistic intent of filmmakers.
Dhanush: “AI Cannot Understand Emotion”
Speaking at a press event in Chennai, Dhanush added, “AI can replicate scenes, generate faces, even mimic emotions—but it cannot understand the intent of a story. Raanjhanaa was never meant to be a fairytale. It was a tragedy, a commentary on unrequited love, obsession, and sacrifice.”
He further added that such irresponsible use of AI can misguide new audiences and damage the legacy of classic films. “What next? Are we going to let AI rewrite Shakespeare with happy endings?”
Filmmaker Aanand L Rai Supports Dhanush
Director Aanand L Rai, who helmed Raanjhanaa, also voiced his support for Dhanush. “Storytelling is about conflict, about choices, and consequences. What we created in Raanjhanaa was meant to be powerful, not popular. The AI ending reduces all of that into a cliche.”
He warned of a larger issue: “This isn’t just about Raanjhanaa. If this trend continues, we’ll see beloved films being manipulated by people who have no understanding of what the film stood for.”
The Rise of AI in Indian Cinema
The controversy has opened up a wider conversation about the use of AI in the Indian film industry. While AI has already made inroads into VFX and dubbing, its ability to recreate and edit existing scenes is raising ethical and legal concerns. Who owns the rights to an AI-generated version of a film? Should fans be allowed to alter iconic scenes and endings? These are questions the industry is now being forced to grapple with.
Industry experts have pointed out the lack of clear regulations on AI content. With tools becoming more accessible, deepfakes and generative content are being created and shared widely, often without the knowledge or consent of the original creators.
Fan Reactions Divided
On social media, reactions to the controversy are mixed. While some fans agree with Dhanush and appreciate the need to protect artistic integrity, others argue that fan edits are just a form of homage.
One Twitter user wrote: “I loved the new ending. It’s what I always wanted. But I understand Dhanush’s point too.”
Another user countered: “If we ban AI edits, we’re killing creativity. Let people enjoy stories in new ways.”
Final Thoughts
The Raanjhanaa AI-edited ending may have started as a creative fan tribute, but it has exposed deep concerns about the future of storytelling in the age of AI. As Dhanush rightly pointed out, technology may offer new ways to experience cinema—but when it begins to rewrite the emotional truth of a story, it risks erasing the very heart of the art form.
For now, it remains to be seen whether any legal action will be taken against the creators of the viral edit. But one thing is certain: Raanjhanaa was, and will always be, a story defined by heartbreak—and no amount of AI can change that.
