Entertainment: Dhanush has publicly condemned the AI-altered re-release of his film Raanjhanaa, voicing his strong disapproval of the new ending. The actor’s statement comes hot on the heels of director Aanand L Rai’s criticism, intensifying the controversy surrounding the use of artificial intelligence to modify films without the original creators’ consent.
Taking to his social media on Sunday, Dhanush issued a statement titled “For the Love of Cinema,” where he expressed his profound disappointment. He revealed that he had explicitly objected to the AI-generated alternate ending but was overruled by the “concerned parties.” “The re-release of Raanjhanaa with an AI-altered climax has completely disturbed me. This alternate ending has stripped the film of its very soul, and the concerned parties went ahead with it despite my clear objection. This is not the film I committed to 12 years ago,” Dhanush wrote.
He further stressed that the use of AI in filmmaking presents a serious threat to creativity and authenticity, warning that such practices could undermine the legacy of cinema. “The use of AI to alter films or content is a deeply concerning precedent for both art and artists. It threatens the integrity of storytelling and the legacy of cinema. I sincerely hope that stricter regulations are put in place to prevent such practices in the future,” he added.
The dispute highlights growing concerns in the film industry about the use of artificial intelligence to alter existing works. Raanjhanaa, originally released in 2013, was widely acclaimed for its poignant storytelling and powerful performances by Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor. The AI-altered version, which features a different climax, has ignited a debate over the ethics of tampering with cinematic works for re-releases. With both the film’s lead actor and director openly condemning the move, the controversy raises bigger questions about how the industry will navigate the emerging role of AI in creative fields—and whether regulations will soon follow to protect artistic integrity.
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