Actor Dhanush's Hindi debut Raanjhanaa, directed by Aanand L Rai, clocked 12 years in 2025, and the makers announced recently that the film will be re-released on August 1.

Row kicked off with the re-release announcement that stated the film will be given an alternative ending with AI. Rai had criticised this move, saying that the film's production banner, Eros, has "opened a dangerous door" as such decisions "raise urgent legal and ethical questions, of the impact of decisions like this on the moral rights of creators." He adds that what makes this worse is that this alters the actors' efforts and contributions towards the film.

He voiced concerns that if this trend goes unquestioned, no one can stop the producers from "updating any film, performance, or legacy to suit short-term profiteering."

Responding to Rai's concerns, Eros Group CEO Pradeep Dwivedi issued a statement clarifying that the re-release is a "respectful reinterpretation and not a tampering of the original." The statement further adds that the re-release is a "creative reimagining, not a replacement, and is consistent with global industry practices, including anniversary editions, alternate cuts, and modernised remasters."

The musical romantic drama, originally released in 2013, follows Kundan (Dhanush), who is infatuated with Zoya (Sonam Kapoor) since childhood. As Zoya returns to her hometown of Benaras after completing her studies in the city, Kundan tries to win her affection. While Kundan's attraction towards Zoya remains unchanged through the years, Zoya is a changed person and has outgrown the puppy love phase. His romantic pursuit takes an ugly turn, and Kundan's relationship with Zoya turns bitter. How far Kundan goes to make amends for his irreparable folly and how far Zoya goes to avenge her loss is what the film is about. The film turned out to be a blockbuster with AR Rahman's album winning praise for capturing Benaras satisfactorily.