Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey has strongly condemned the AI-altered re-release of the 2013 romantic drama Raanjhanaa, calling the modification “utterly disrespectful” to the original creators. The altered version, released under the title Ambikapathy in Tamil Nadu on August 1, 2025, features a newly generated “happy ending” using artificial intelligence, replacing the film’s original tragic climax where Dhanush’s character, Kundan, dies. Pandey criticized the decision by Eros International, the production house behind the film, for excluding the creative team and tampering with the essence of a film that had already earned critical and audience appreciation.
Director Aanand L. Rai, who directed Raanjhanaa, also expressed his anger and disappointment. In a strongly worded Instagram post, he described the re-edited version as an “abject betrayal” of the original vision. He emphasized that Raanjhanaa was “shaped by human hands” and that altering the narrative without his knowledge or consent was not just unethical but deeply personal. According to Rai, the film’s emotional core was built around its tragic ending, and replacing it with an AI-generated twist undermines the message and artistic integrity of the story.
Rai revealed that he learned about the modified version through media reports and had no prior communication from Eros International regarding the changes. Despite trying to reach out, he claims the production house ignored his concerns. He has now approached the Directors’ Guild and is exploring legal action to protest what he views as a violation of creative rights. He argued that if the production house won’t respect the filmmaker’s voice, they should at least respect the sentiments of the audience, for whom the original ending carried deep emotional weight.
Meanwhile, Eros International has defended its actions, stating that it holds full legal rights to adapt the film and that the AI-edited version is meant to be viewed as an “alternate interpretation,” not a replacement. The company maintains that the re-release is intended to offer variety and attract new audiences, especially in regional markets. Eros dismissed the backlash as unnecessary drama and suggested that the uproar stems from unrelated legal and financial tensions with the filmmakers.
The incident has triggered a broader debate within the film industry about the ethical boundaries of AI in storytelling. Many artists and creators have voiced concern that using AI to alter existing films—particularly without the involvement of original writers and directors—sets a dangerous precedent. Neeraj Pandey’s remarks reflect growing unease over how technology may be misused to erase creative ownership and manipulate artistic expression in the name of commercial reimagination.
