Aanand L Rai REACTS To AI Version Of Dhanush, Sonam Kapoor’s Raanjhanaa; Calls It “Deeply Upsetting”

Director Aanand L Rai has spoken out against the AI-modified version of his 2013 film Raanjhanaa, which starred Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor. The film’s re-release using artificial intelligence has sparked backlash, and Rai shared his strong disapproval in a heartfelt Instagram post, calling the move “deeply upsetting.”

Aanand L Rai On AI Version Of Raanjhanaa

He highlighted the importance of creative consent and expressed concern about the rights of the original makers. Sharing a long post he wrote, “The past three weeks have been surreal, and deeply upsetting. To watch Raanjhanaa, a film born out of care, conflict, collaboration, and creative risk, be altered, repackaged, and re-released without my knowledge or consent has been nothing short of devastating. What makes it worse is the complete ease and casualness with which it’s been done. And yet, in the middle of all this, the support and solidarity from the industry, our audiences, and the larger creative community have reminded me of what Raanjhanaa stood for in the first place – connection, courage, and truth. I’m deeply grateful for that,” Aanand L Rai wrote.

“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. 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. The idea that our work can be taken and modified by a machine, then dressed up as innovation, is deeply disrespectful. To cloak a film’s emotional legacy in a synthetic cape without consent is not a creative act. It’s an abject betrayal of everything we built,” he continued in the post.

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A post shared by Aanand L Rai (@aanandlrai)

He said that changing the film without permission disrespects the hard work of everyone involved — including the writer, actors, composer, lyricist, technicians, and the entire crew.

Raanjhanaa was a big hit when it was first released and is still loved by fans. Over time, it gained a cult following for its emotional story, music, and performances. Rai’s reaction reflects a growing debate in the film industry about the use of AI in art, especially when it affects original creators and their work without their approval.

Also Read: Aanand L Rai reveals fighting with Shah Rukh Khan on Zero sets over money: He is a king

Manisha Karki

Manisha has established a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling with over six years of expertise in the industry. With a deep passion for cinema, she brings a unique perspective to her coverage, making it a trusted voice in the entertainment world.