At the teaser launch of his upcoming film 120 Bahadur on Tuesday, filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar was asked about his take on the 2013 film Raanjhanaa’s AI-generated “happy ending.” Farhan said that though he does not know much about what went into the AI-altered re-release of the film, his loyalty will always be with the movie’s creator.
Both director Anand L Rai and Dhanush, who made his Hindi cinema debut with the 2013 movie, have spoken out against production banner Eros International's decision to create an alternate "happy ending" for the movie through the help of artificial intelligence.
Farhan, when asked about the controversy, during the teaser launch said, "I will always stand with the creator of the film and (if) the creator of the film was unhappy about his or her work being changed, I will always support the creator. So that's where my loyalty lies. The rest of the fine print of what happened there, I have no (idea), but that's all I can say.”
Excel entertainment's Ritesh Sidhwani echoed Farhan’s thoughts.
"I absolutely agree to the fact that you can't do it without the consent (of the filmmaker)," Ritesh said. He also added that AI should be used smartly to the film's advantage.
Farhan will be essaying the role of Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Shaitan Singh Bhati in 120 Bahadur. The war-drama is directed by Razneesh Ghai and produced by Ritesh and Farhan via their production house Excel Entertainment and Amit Chandrra of Trigger Happy Studios.
The film is based on the real-life incident of 120 Indian soldiers who fought off over 3000 Chinese in the 1962 battle of Rezang La.
Farhan, whose 2004 film Lakshya, was loosely based on the Kargil War, said the intent of 120 Bahadur is to inspire "more writers, filmmakers and directors to look into India's glorious past.”
"We have incredible moments of bravery, courage and decisions taken in some tremendous adversity that now make us the country we are today," he added.
Director Razneesh said he "grew up with the story" and it took him eight years to work to fine tune it.
The film also stars Jinkya Ramesh Deo, Eijaz Khan, Vivian Bathena, Ankit Siwach and Raashii Khanna in pivotal roles. 120 Bahadur is set to release in theatres on November 21.
