Over a decade after its release, the 2013 cult romantic drama, Raanjhanaa has hit the theatre again and this time it has gone viral thanks to an AI-generated happy ending that has reimagined the film’s tragic finale. While some viewers are embracing this alternate version with cheers and nostalgia, the majority including lead actor, Dhanush and director, Aanand L. Rai are outraged. For them, the new ending not only distorts the film’s emotional depth but also raises serious concerns about the misuse of AI in cinema and art. So, what really happened at the end of Raanjhanaa and why is the AI-altered version sparking such backlash? Let’s break it down.
The original story of Raanjhanaa
Set across Varanasi and Delhi, the film follows ‘Kundan’, played by Dhanush, a Hindu boy who falls obsessively in love with ‘Zoya’, played by Sonam Kapoor, a Muslim girl. Despite hurdles and heartbreak, his love only deepens for her, which causes a lot of trouble for both of them alike. The narrative throughout the second half builds toward a tragic climax for ‘Kundan’ where he faces repercussions for his madness, and even then his love runs so deep that he knowingly embraces his death to pursue his unrequited devotion. Even when ‘Zoya’ had not returned his affection, his deep love for her that crosses the boundaries to obsession and madness leads to his ultimate demise.
