'Raanjhanaa' AI-climax: Karan Johar supports Aanand L Rai, slams Eros
What's the story
Filmmaker Aanand L Rai's 2013 film Raanjhanaa recently landed in a controversy after its Tamil re-release with an AI-altered ending. While Dhanush's character, Kundan, dies in the original ending, he survives in the new version. The change was made by Eros International, the studio behind the film, and it understandably upset Rai. Now, filmmaker Karan Johar has openly supported him. Speaking on Komal Nahta's YouTube show Game Changers, he said no creative change should be made without the filmmaker's consent.
Moral dilemma
Should it be contractual to re-release film? Johar answers
When asked who should have the right to re-release a film with a changed ending, Johar said it should be contractual. He added, "If the producer owns 100% of the film, then he/she has the right to do whatever they want. But he/she has to have the moral dilemma about it." "Agar aapki morality nahi hai...then that is not right," he added.
Director's call
Producer should call original director before making changes: Johar
Johar further stressed that the producer should call the original director before making any changes. "His job is to call Aanand L Rai jiski vision thi voh...it's your moral responsibility. You should call everybody who made that film special," he said. "What did you even achieve by changing it? It's not as if the film made huge business."
AI in cinema
AI will eventually replace VFX, says Johar
Johar also spoke about the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking. He said, "AI will eventually replace VFX." "AI will be a cheaper option than traditional visual effects. But it should be used where it truly adds value."
Filmmaker's statement
Rai earlier expressed his disappointment over the altered ending
Rai had earlier issued a statement expressing his disappointment over the altered ending. He said, "Raanjhanaa didn't need a new climax. It had heart and honesty." "To see its ending altered without a word of discussion is a gross violation not just of the film but of the trust of the fans who've carried the film in their hearts for 12 years."
Actor's statement
Dhanush also criticized the AI-altered version
Dhanush, who starred in the film, also criticized the AI-altered version. He said, "This alternate ending has stripped the film of its very soul, and the concerned parties went ahead with it despite my clear objection." "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."
Studio's defense
Eros defended their decision to alter the film's ending
In response to the controversy, Eros defended their decision to alter the film's ending with AI. They called it a "legally compliant, transparently labeled, and artistically guided creative edition intended for Tamil-speaking audiences." They also clarified that the original Raanjhanaa remains untouched and available across all platforms. The studio also denied Rai's claim that he had financially contributed to secure Dhanush's role in Raanjhanaa.