Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor's cult classic romantic film Raanjhanaa (2013) is getting a re-release in theatres across India on August 1. However, production house Eros International is tweaking the climax of the film via artificial intelligence, a move that has triggered massive backlash from director Aanand L Rai, social media users as well as fans of the film.

Aanand L Rai has accused Eros International of not consulting him before taking the decision while the studio responded by saying that they are the "sole and exclusive copyright holders of the film" and the re-release is "offered as an addition to the original" and not a replacement for it.

In an interview with The Indian Express, the filmmaker expressed his objection and disappointment over the issue, stating his willingness to disassociate his name from the new version of the film. Eros Media mentioned that their decision to change the ending is a "respectful creative reinterpretation". "Such practices are common in global cinema, and reflect our long-standing commitment to innovation, audience engagement, and cultural preservation," they said to Indian Express.

In the final moments of Raanjhanaa, Kundan’s lifelong love for Zoya ends in heartbreak. Wrongly blamed for the death of her lover, he is cast aside, only for Zoya to later realize the truth that Kundan had sacrificed everything for her. But the realization comes too late. Gravely injured and emotionally broken, Kundan dies in a hospital bed, imagining a life where she might have loved him back. But with the new version, the story might face a drastic change.

Underlining the negative implications of the move, the director stated that he has "learnt a lesson" to be "very careful while signing the dotted line" and other filmmakers should learn from whatever happened. "A studio doesn’t care about the story. Just to earn a few crores, they’re tampering with a writer, director, and actor’s creation," he said. While Eros has dismissed his views, highlighting their commitment to cinema and its creators, it remains to be seen how audiences will respond to the altered ending of a film that holds a special place in their hearts.