Dhanush, the actor, speaks out against the AI-modified conclusion for the re-release of his successful film Raanjhanaa
In the ever-evolving world of cinema, the line between creative control and technological advancement is becoming increasingly blurred. This has been highlighted by the recent re-release of the 2013 Hindi-language romantic drama Raanjhanaa, which has been met with criticism due to an AI-generated happy ending.
Eros Media World, the production company behind the re-release, claims that the change was made clear to viewers and presents it as a "respectful creative reinterpretation". However, the original director Aanand L Rai and actor Dhanush, who starred in the film, have publicly condemned the alteration.
Ethically, the unilateral use of AI by the rights-holding studio to alter the film without the consent or involvement of the original creative team challenges traditional notions of artistic respect and moral rights. Dhanush has described the re-release as a "betrayal" and a threat to the integrity of storytelling and the legacy of cinema.
Artistically, the AI-assisted new ending questions the finality and authorship of films. The original tragic ending had deep thematic and emotional meaning shaped by human artistry. The AI-generated happy ending represents a reinterpretation but risks reducing the work to a commercial rehash rather than an authentic creative expression.
Legally, Indian Copyright Law grants producers ownership rights over cinematograph films, permitting them to modify or re-release works, even without creator consent. This case may influence future legal and industry frameworks for AI use in filmmaking globally.
The controversy around Raanjhanaa's re-release exemplifies the complex ethical tensions between legal authority and artistic integrity when AI is used to alter creative works. It highlights the urgent need for clearer ethical standards and regulations to protect the creative vision and legacy of artists in the evolving digital and AI-driven filmmaking landscape.
Dhanush, who has expressed being "completely disturbed" by the re-release, hopes stricter regulations will be put in place to prevent such practices in the future. The actor believes the use of AI to alter films or other content is a concerning precedent that threatens the integrity of storytelling and the legacy of cinema.
This is not the first time AI has raised concerns in the creative industries. In June, video game actors in the US ended a strike after nearly a year of industrial action over the use of AI by game studios. The use of AI has also been a concern in the Hollywood writers' and actors' strikes in 2023.
Eros Media World's group chief executive Pradeep Dwivedi stated that the studio wanted to offer "fresh dimensions for audiences" without intending to "undermine the original essence" of the film. The original Raanjhanaa remains widely available.
As AI continues to play a larger role in the creative industries, it is crucial that ethical standards and regulations are established to ensure the artistic integrity of works is preserved. The Raanjhanaa re-release controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing technological advancement with respect for artistic vision.
References: 1. The Wire 2. Indian Copyright Act, 1957 3. The Hindu 4. NDTV 5. The Quint
- The integration of AI in filmmaking not only questions the finality and authorship of films but also emphasizes the need for ethical standards and regulations to uphold artistic integrity, as shown in the debate over the AI-altered re-release of Raanjhanaa.
- Resembling the struggles faced by video game actors in the US, the use of AI in the creative industries, as demonstrated in the re-release of Raanjhanaa, has sparked concerns over the preservation of artistic vision and the legacy of cinema, potentially leading to increased regulation in the future.
