Neeraj Pandey calls out AI-altered ‘Raanjhanaa’ ending as ‘disrespectful’, slams Eros for excluding creators

Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey has joined the growing chorus of voices condemning Eros International Media’s decision to re-release Raanjhanaa’s Tamil-dubbed version Ambikapathy with an alternate AI-generated ending. The revised climax — designed to be “happier” — is set to hit theatres on August 1, but has already triggered significant backlash within the film industry.

“This is utterly disrespectful,” Pandey told NDTV, stressing that using AI to alter a film without involving its original creators violates artistic integrity. “AI is just a tool. A human being is operating it. It’s the intent behind it that matters. If a piece of cinema is being altered without the director or writer, they could have done better.”

Pandey, known for Special 26 and Baby, said he was “zapped” by the move, criticising Eros for failing to communicate with the filmmakers. “Saying ‘we have the rights’ is no excuse,” he added. “A little communication wouldn’t have hurt.”

The AI-modified version of Ambikapathy has drawn criticism from Raanjhanaa director Aanand L Rai, who called the development “heartbreaking.” Other figures including Kabir Khan, Kanika Dhillon, and Renuka Shahane have called the decision unethical and damaging to cinematic storytelling.

In its defence, Eros issued a statement calling itself the “sole producer and exclusive copyright holder” of Raanjhanaa. The studio said the new ending is “legally compliant, transparently labelled, and artistically guided,” created with AI as a support tool — not a replacement for human creativity.

Eros also pushed back against Rai and actor Dhanush over comments and promotional links between Raanjhanaa and Rai’s upcoming film Tere Ishk Mein, claiming they had no legal right to use the original film’s brand. A cease and desist notice was reportedly issued on July 25.