The recent re-release of the 2013 romantic drama Raanjhanaa has stirred significant controversy in the film industry, primarily due to an AI-altered ending that has drawn sharp criticism from the film's original creators and fans alike. At the trailer launch of their upcoming war epic 120 Bahadur, Bollywood stalwarts Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani addressed the issue, emphasizing the importance of creative control and consent in filmmaking.

The AI Controversy Surrounding Raanjhanaa

Directed by Aanand L. Rai and starring Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor, Raanjhanaa originally captivated audiences with its poignant storytelling and tragic climax, where Dhanush’s character, Kundan, meets a heartbreaking end. However, the Tamil version of the film, titled Ambikapathy, was re-released on August 1, 2025, with an AI-generated alternate ending. In this new version, Kundan survives, waking up in a hospital surrounded by friends, a change that has been met with widespread disapproval. Both Rai and Dhanush have publicly condemned the alteration, labeling it a violation of the film’s artistic integrity. Rai described the move as a “reckless takeover” that stripped the film of its soul, while Dhanush expressed concern over the precedent it sets for the future of cinema.

Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Stance

At the teaser launch of 120 Bahadur in Mumbai’s Lower Parel on August 5, 2025, Farhan Akhtar, who stars as Major Shaitan Singh in the film, made his position clear. “I will always stand with the creator of the film,” he stated, emphasizing that his loyalty lies with those whose vision is altered without consent. While acknowledging he wasn’t privy to the specifics, Akhtar stressed the importance of respecting the original creator’s intent. His business partner and co-producer at Excel Entertainment, Ritesh Sidhwani, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for ethical AI use. “AI is a tool we must embrace, but it should never override consent,” Sidhwani remarked, drawing parallels to the shift from library research to Google, urging responsible use of technology.

Industry and Fan Reactions

The Raanjhanaa controversy has sparked a broader debate about AI’s role in filmmaking. The artist community has called the unauthorized edit an exploitation of power by the production house, Eros International. Fans, too, have voiced their discontent, arguing that altering a beloved film’s emotional core disrespects its legacy. Eros defended the AI version, claiming it was meant to explore new storytelling dimensions, but maintained that the original film remains intact. However, this has done little to quell the backlash, with many viewing the move as a commercial ploy rather than a creative enhancement.

The Bigger Picture: AI and Creative Control

The Raanjhanaa incident raises critical questions about the ethical boundaries of AI in cinema. As technology advances, the industry faces the challenge of balancing innovation with respect for artistic ownership. Akhtar and Sidhwani’s comments reflect a growing call for stricter regulations to protect filmmakers’ rights. Meanwhile, their upcoming film 120 Bahadur, set to release on November 21, 2025, continues to generate buzz for its portrayal of the 1962 Battle of Rezang La, showcasing their commitment to authentic storytelling.

This controversy underscores the need for a dialogue on how AI can complement, rather than compromise, the heart of cinematic art.

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