The decision by Eros to alter the ending of the Tamil version of Anand L Rai’s Raanjhanaa has irked many from the industry. Recently, director Neeraj Pandey came out in support of Anand and called Eros’ decision “utterly disrespectful”.
Speaking to NDTV, Neeraj said, “AI is just a tool. A human being is operating it. So it's the intent behind its use that matters. And if a piece of cinema is being altered without involving the director and writer, then it's utterly disrespectful. They could have done better.”
He added, “I'm honestly zapped to hear this. If Eros says, 'We have the rights, we can do anything,' that's still no excuse. A little communication wouldn't have hurt. If they had just spoken to Anand and the other creators involved in birthing that film, it would have been the right thing to do.”
The filmmaker also batted for a fair use of AI. "While it (AI) is still nascent, it will develop rapidly. Hopefully, we'll use it well -- and not misuse it," he added.
The Tamil version of the film, titled Ambikapathy, reportedly features an alternative ending where the lead character played by Dhanush doesn’t die, contrary to the original version where he dies. Issuing a clarification about its decision, Eros earlier stated, “The re-release of Ambikapathy with an alternate AI-assisted ending is a legally compliant, transparently labelled, and artistically guided creative edition intended for Tamil-speaking audiences. It does not replace or alter the original Raanjhanaa, which remains untouched and widely available across all platforms. This version is part of a global and longstanding tradition in cinema of offering alternate edits, localised adaptations, and anniversary re-releases.”
Taking to social media on July 31, Anand came out strongly against Eros as he said, “Let me say this as clearly as I can: I do not support or endorse the AI-altered version of Raanjhanaa. It is unauthorised. I had no role in it. Neither did the team that made the film. And whatever it claims to be, it is not the film we intended, or made."
