Indian actor Dhanush says he has been left “completely disturbed” by the re-release of one among his hit movies with another ending assisted by AI – however the manufacturing firm behind it has rejected criticism of the transfer.
Hindi-language romantic drama Raanjhanaa, referred to as Ambikapathy in its Tamil-language title, has made headlines over its re-release 12 years after first hitting cinemas in 2013.
Eros Media World says the brand new model, which sees the movie’s unique ending switched to a happier one, is a “lawful and creative reinterpretation, not a replacement”, and that the change and use of synthetic intelligence has been made clear to viewers.
The corporate says the alternate ending was “crafted under the direction of a human creative team using AI only as an assistive tool – not as an autonomous content generator”.
X
This content material is supplied by X, which can be utilizing cookies and different applied sciences.
To indicate you this content material, we want your permission to make use of cookies.
You should use the buttons beneath to amend your preferences to allow X cookies or to permit these cookies simply as soon as.
You possibly can change your settings at any time through the Privateness Choices.
Sadly we have now been unable to confirm in case you have consented to X cookies.
To view this content material you should use the button beneath to permit X cookies for this session solely.
Allow Cookies
Permit Cookies As soon as
Nonetheless, the AI-assisted re-release has already drawn criticism from the movie’s director Aanand L Rai, and now its star Dhanush has launched an announcement to say the “AI-altered climax” had left him “completely disturbed”.
“This alternate ending has stripped the film of its very soul, and the concerned parties went ahead with it despite my clear objection,” Dhanush stated in a message posted on X. “This is not the film I committed to 12 years ago.”
Dhanush stated the usage of AI to change movies or different content material “is a deeply concerning precedent for both art and artists” that “threatens the integrity of storytelling and the legacy of cinema”.
He added: “I sincerely hope that stricter regulations are put in place to prevent such practices in the future.”
Eros stated Dhanush’s “wonderful performance” within the position of Kundan had introduced the character to life “in an unforgettable way”. Nonetheless, the studio stated the actor’s staff had been conscious of the plans earlier than the re-release and that that they had obtained “no formal objection”.
“While we acknowledge and respect differing views on the use of AI in film, our aim has been to explore how technology can complement storytelling and offer fresh dimensions for audiences – never to undermine the original essence of a film,” Mr Dwivedi stated. “The original Raanjhanaa and Ambikapathy remains much loved and widely available, and the IP is fully preserved.”
He added: “Just as storytelling evolves, so too does music – and with responsible use of AI, even the most iconic soundtracks are being respectfully reimagined as remixes to resonate with new generations while preserving their original soul.
“We deeply respect the inventive group and stay dedicated to collaborating in ways in which guarantee mutual respect, innovation, and progress for the cinematic arts. As one among India’s most storied movie studios, Eros stays dedicated to celebrating Indian cinema, nurturing expertise, and embracing know-how responsibly.”
Dhanush’s feedback come after statements posted by Rai, who has described the re-release as “a betrayal” to the unique that has been “dressed up as innovation”.
Writing on Instagram, he stated: “This was never just a film to us. It was shaped by human hands, human flaws, and human feeling. What’s now being circulated is not a tribute. It is a reckless takeover that strips the work of its intent, its context, and its soul.”
Responding to the director’s criticism, Mr Dwivedi reiterated that the re-release is “a respectful creative reinterpretation – clearly labelled and separate from the original version” and stated such practices are “common in global cinema, and reflect our long-standing commitment to innovation, audience engagement, and cultural preservation”.
He additionally highlighted an ongoing authorized dispute between Eros and Color Yellow Productions, the studio co-founded by Rai.
Picture:
Strikes by online game actors resulted in June after beginning final yr. File pic: AP
The re-release comes as synthetic intelligence continues to trigger concern amongst some within the inventive industries. In June, online game actors within the US ended a strike after almost a yr of business motion over the usage of AI by recreation studios – a problem that was additionally a part of the considerations raised by the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes in 2023.
Earlier this yr, Oscar-nominated movie The Brutalist made headlines for utilizing the know-how to “refine” Hungarian accents.
It has additionally been used for de-aging stars comparable to Harrison Ford for the newest Indiana Jones movie and Tom Hanks within the 2024 image Right here – and for serving to to create “the last Beatles record” that includes John Lennon’s vocals, launched in 2023.
There’s a “good side” to the know-how but in addition a “scary side”, Sir Paul McCartney has stated, including: “We will just have to see where that leads.”
