Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 28: The re-release of Raanjhanaa as its Tamil-dubbed version Ambikapathy in theatres across Tamil Nadu on August 1 has ignited a fierce debate in the Indian film industry. Promos suggest that the film’s tragic climax has been altered using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to offer a "happy ending"—where Dhanush’s character survives—much to the shock of its original creators.

Director Aanand L Rai, who helmed the 2013 original, called the move by production house Eros International "a gross violation" of artistic integrity. “This wasn’t done with my consent,” Rai stated, as industry colleagues lined up to express solidarity and raise ethical concerns about tampering with a film’s soul.

Screenwriter Kanika Dhillon termed the change “deeply troubling.” While acknowledging the power of AI, she warned against studios using technology to rewrite stories without the involvement of their original creators. “Are we okay with altering the core of a story without the consent of its makers?” she questioned, calling for creators to proactively safeguard their moral rights.

Filmmaker Kabir Khan didn’t mince words, calling the act “preposterous.” He asserted that while studios may own legal rights, that doesn’t grant them moral rights. “If it happened to me, I’d take it to court and the public,” he said.

Actor-director Renuka Shahane echoed the sentiment, calling the move “really unethical.” Comparing the film to a child of its creator, she said, “It’s like the baby being snatched away. It’s morally and ethically wrong.”

Producer Tanuj Garg flagged the episode as “a precarious issue,” warning that while technology is transforming storytelling, it’s also threatening creative sanctity. He stressed the importance of transparency between studios and creators to avoid such betrayals.

Even screenwriter-lyricist Varun Grover joined the chorus with a satirical reel that went viral, reflecting growing unrest over the unchecked use of AI in filmmaking.

As Ambikapathy gears up for release with its digitally doctored ending, the controversy has grown beyond one film. It now raises pressing questions about artistic consent, ownership, and the ethical use of AI in cinema.

With filmmakers drawing a red line, the industry is now being forced to confront a new era where technology may enhance storytelling—but not at the cost of trust.