Tamil star Dhanush is furious over the AI-edited ending of Raanjhanaa’s Tamil re-release Ambikapathy, which hit theatres on August 1, 2025 — and the internet is buzzing!
What’s the Drama?
Raanjhanaa director Aanand L. Rai had lashed out recently at production house Eros International, after the Tamil version of the 2013 romantic drama film Ambikapathy, was tampered with using artificial intelligence (AI) such that the climax of the original film was changed, and now, the lead actor Dhanush has also added his voice to the outcry.
Dhanush went on to X (previously Twitter) and did not shy away. The actor wrote: Posting a message with the title, For the love of cinema, the actor wrote:
The remake of Raanjhanaa that changed the climax with the help of AI has puzzled me completely. This alternative ending has not only removed the very soul of the film but the concerned parties still proceeded with the same despite my clear objection. This is not the movie which I dedicated 12 years ago.
In the original one, the character of Dhanush Kundan dies tragically, which viewers will not forget. However, in the re-released movie things are different because Kundan does not die: AI changes fate.
AI Ending Sparks Huge Debate
Dhanush expressed serious concern about AI’s growing role in creative storytelling:
Manipulations of films or content by AI is a very worrying precedent both to art and artists. It is an endangerment to the integrity of story and history of the film. I would like to firmly believe that the future generation will be able to curb such practices through more stringent measures put in place.”
This comes closely on the heels of the same expression of indignation by director Aanand L. Rai, who previously alluded that the re-release occurred without his permission.
Eros International Fires Back
But Eros International has clapped back. In a statement released Monday, they said:
We have never undermined the role of any artist particularly Mr. Dhanush who played a distinctive role as a Kundan. The changes were already discussed by Eros with Mr. Dhanush team, and no official protest was recorded by that time with the re-release.
So, is this a case of miscommunication or a major creative betrayal?
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Fans React: Divided, Emotional, and Trolling
Some fans supported Dhanush and said he was right doing this move since AI was a breach to the art of cinema, whereas some people thought he was exaggerating.
One user wrote:
@dhanushkraja, I have had the feeling that this is not the movie that I were agreeing to 12 years ago. The prospect of AI is exciting, but it seems to be pushing a boundary to rattle off a remake of the soul of a classic.
Another echoed:
“Raanjhanaa is a great movie because of its climax. Change that, and you ruin everything.”
But not everyone is on Dhanush’s side. A troll mocked him saying:
“For ‘love of cinema’? 🤡 You’re just mad they didn’t pay you or inform you!”
Another added:
“We’ve already seen the original. This is just an alternate version. Why so much drama?”
One even joked:
“Not gonna lie, seeing Kundan wake up healed something in me. But yeah… AI is bad.”
Final Cut
Dhanush and Aanand L. Rai are bigweight names against it and Eros International gave all the reasons to defend their contentious choice and the Ambikapathy debate has opened up a wider question on the future of cinematic experience in the age of artificial intelligence.
Now that technology is advancing, will this become the standard of storytelling through artificial intelligence-driven technology – or will the spirit of traditional storytelling be left intact?
One thing’s clear: the heart of Raanjhanaa still beats strong — and now, more controversially than ever.