The recent re-release of the 2012 hit film Raanjhanaa with an AI-altered ending has sparked a major debate in Bollywood. Director Aanand L Rai and lead actor Dhanush both expressed their disappointment over the decision. Now, top filmmaker Karan Johar has weighed in, coming out in strong support of the director’s creative vision.
Speaking on a recent show, Karan Johar addressed the controversy head-on, stating that a director’s consent is crucial, even if the producer owns the film’s rights. He questioned the very purpose of changing the film’s classic ending.
What Karan Johar Said About The Controversy
During a conversation on Komal Nahta’s YouTube show, Karan Johar argued that while producers might legally own a film, there is a moral responsibility towards the creators. “This should now be contractual,” he said. “If the producer owns 100 per cent of the film, then he or she has the right to do whatever they want. But they must also face the moral dilemma about it.”
He shared that in his own experience, he always consults the director before making any changes. “It’s your moral responsibility to call Aanand L Rai, it was his vision… What did you even achieve by changing it? It’s not as if the film made huge business. Because it’s inauthentic.” He concluded that AI should only be used where it adds real value, as natural creativity will always work better.
The Raanjhanaa AI Ending Explained
For those who may not remember, the original Raanjhanaa had a tragic climax. The main character, Kundan (played by Dhanush), is shot during a rally and later dies in a hospital. This ending was a key part of the film’s emotional impact.
However, in the new AI-altered version that was re-released in theatres, the ending was changed to a “happy” one where Kundan survives. This fundamental change to the story’s soul, made without the director’s involvement, is what caused the industry-wide discussion.
Aanand L Rai’s Strong Reaction
Aanand L Rai did not hold back his disappointment. He called the move a “gross violation not just of the film, but of the trust of the fans.” He powerfully stated, “The tragedy was part of Raanjhanaa’s DNA. You can’t just rewrite its soul.” In response, the studio claimed they hold the copyright and the new version is just an addition, not a replacement.
Following this incident, reports suggest Rai is now working with lawyers and other filmmakers to create new contract templates. These would include clauses to protect a director’s work from being changed by AI without their explicit consent in the future.
About Raanjhanaa
Raanjhanaa is a 2013 romantic drama directed by Aanand L Rai. The film stars Dhanush in his Hindi debut, alongside Sonam Kapoor and Abhay Deol. Known for its powerful story, A.R. Rahman’s music, and a tragic climax, the film was a critical and commercial success.
(Also read: “Pure Cinema”: Dhanush And Kriti Sanon’s ‘Tere Ishk Mein’ Teaser Takes The Internet By Storm, Trends At No. 1 )
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