Renowned filmmaker Aanand L Rai has publicly denounced the AI-generated “happy ending” added to the Tamil re-release of his 2013 cult film Raanjhanaa, released under the title Ambikapathy on August 1, 2025. He called it “an abject betrayal” and deeply upsetting, affirming he was not consulted or involved in the alteration process.

What Happened

• Eros International, the rights holder, added an AI-generated happy ending where protagonist Kundan (played by Dhanush) lives—contrasting the original tragic climax where he dies.
• The AI version reportedly also alters visuals and voices of the lead actors without consent.

A Director’s Outrage

• Rai described the decision as a “reckless takeover” and a gross violation of the creative trust placed in collaborators by fans and industry.
• Emotional trust, he emphasized, was compromised: “Intent and authorship are disposable.” He has formally distanced himself from the AI-altered version.
• Rai has asked for his name to be removed from the version and is exploring legal action via the Indian Film & TV Directors’ Association.

Industry Support & Ethical Debate

• Fellow directors Neeraj Pandey, Kabir Khan, Renuka Shahane, and writer Kanika Dhillon slammed the move as “utterly disrespectful” and “preposterous”. They argued legal rights do not equate to moral license over creative legacy.

Creative Consent & AI Governance: Rai’s Call for Reform

• While Rai is open to using AI in his own work—such as colour grading and testing alternate narrative experiments—he asserts that altering a completed film post‑release crosses an ethical line.
• He is advocating for contract reforms and industry guidelines to ensure mandatory creator consent for any future AI modifications.

Legacy vs. Innovation: Why Rai Believes Raanjhanaa Didn’t Need a Rewrite

• The film’s cult status stems from its imperfections, emotional honesty, and the tragic ending that resonated deeply with audiences.
• According to Rai, the emotional core and thematic depth of Raanjhanaa cannot be preserved by repackaging it with algorithmic optimism.

Key Quotes It is a reckless takeover that strips the work of its intent, its context, and its soul.”
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.

What Happens Next

• Raanjhanaa was originally released in 2013 and dubbed in Tamil as Ambikapathy. The AI-altered version is positioned as an optional alternative, not a replacement—though Rai rejects this framing.
• The controversy is amplifying urgent industry-wide debates on AI ethics, creative rights, and the need for transparent governance mechanisms when it comes to modifying archival content.

Film Overview & Background

• A feature film tentatively titled Honeymoon in Shillong, is underway, depicting the sensational murder case of Raja Raghuvanshi, a 29‑year‑old transport businessman from Indore, who disappeared and was later found dead in Meghalaya during his honeymoon in May–June 2025
• The director at the helm is S P Nimbawat, and the Raghuvanshi family has officially given their consent for the film’s production
  

Production Scope & Creative Intent

• According to Rashin Raghuvanshi’s brothers, legal and logistics are finalized. 80% of shooting is to take place in Indore and 20% in Meghalaya (locations tied to the actual events)
• The film aims to depict a message against betrayal and shed light on the truth behind the events, as per the family’s vision

Real Events vs Creative Interpretation

• While the script has been cleared by the family, Raja’s brother Vipin Raghuvanshi cautions that the film will be only ~50% factual, with creative dramatization to enhance narrative impact
• The family insists that “only the truth must be shown”, and hopes to avoid sensationalism while still ensuring audience engagement
  

Recap of the Original Case

• Raja and his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi went missing in Meghalaya on May 23, 2025 during their honeymoon. On June 2, Raja’s decomposed body was found in a gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls in Sohra (Cherrapunji)
• Investigators concluded that it was a premeditated murder, allegedly orchestrated by Sonam in collusion with her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha and a group of hired killers
• Sonam surrendered in Ghazipur and was arrested. Multiple accomplices have been arrested, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is handling the case
  

Family Stance & Legal Developments

• The Raghuvanshi family, led by brothers Sachin and Vipin, came forward publicly to support the film project. They want to ensure Raja’s story is told correctly, while also protecting the image of Meghalaya by working collaboratively on the project.
• Vipin visited the crime scene, performed a puja, collected Raja’s death certificate, and is actively opposing bail pleas for some of the co‑accused
  

Aamir Khan Rumors Debunked

• Despite speculation, reports linking Aamir Khan to the film adaptation have been denied by the actor. He is not involved in the project as of now

Summary

The film Honeymoon in Shillong will dramatize the mysterious and tragic murder of Raja Raghuvanshi—a case that captivated India in mid‑2025. With family consent, the film is directed by S P Nimbawat, blending real events with dramatized storytelling. While production is underway, casting details remain undisclosed. The family hopes the film will clarify the truth and deliver a social message against betrayal, though creative liberties are acknowledged in the narrative.

Produced by Yash Raj Films and directed by Mohit Suri, Saiyaara—released July 18, 2025—stars newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. The romance unfolds against India’s most evocative backdrops, blending narrative and visuals seamlessly

Filming Locations & Emotional Significance

St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai

Used in Krish’s flashbacks to his early musical journey, the iconic St. Xavier’s College campus anchors his character arc from ambitious student to performer

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Panaji (Goa)

The dramatic scene where Krish stands atop a bus, singing triumphantly to a cheering crowd, was filmed here. The colonial white church creates a visually stunning and symbolic backdrop

Naggar Castle, Manali

This Himalayan castle forms the setting for a serene reunion between Krish and Vaani. Snow-dusted peaks and pine forests enhance the emotional intensity of the scene

M2M Ferry, Off-Coast Location

A symbolic mid-sea transition scene, shot aboard an M2M ferry, reflects the characters’ emotional journey—floating between noise and peace, between past and future

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), Mumbai

The iconic heritage railway station hosts a high-energy romantic motorbike ride. Its crowded elegance matches the urgency and passion of their connection

Alibaug Coastline

Krish and Vaani escape to lush beaches and upscale villas in Alibaug. It’s featured in tender moments capturing tranquility away from their complex lives

Bandra Fort, Mumbai

Set overlooking the Arabian Sea, this historic fort becomes the stage for a poignant musical serenade, enhancing the romantic crescendo of the narrative

Bollywood Production Insight

Principal photography spanned from September 2024 to March 2025. A large-scale music festival scene with 1,000 background artists was filmed in Malad’s Vrundavan Studios, Mumbai. This vibrant sequence underscores the film’s emotional and musical ambition