Over a decade since its original release, Raanjhanaa, the 2013 cult romantic tragedy starring Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor, has found new life—and a new ending—thanks to AI. As the film was recently re-released in theatres and digital platforms with a modified, AI-generated finale, fans were left teary-eyed and overwhelmed by the unexpected twist: Kundan, the film’s tragic protagonist, doesn’t die this time.
Yes, you read that right. The reimagined version gives audiences a chance to see an alternate reality—one where Kundan survives the fatal stabbing that defined the emotional climax of the original. The reworked scenes, subtly incorporated using advanced AI visuals and voice replication, shift the narrative arc in a way that has sparked a wave of emotional and nostalgic responses from fans of the film.
The moment quickly went viral on social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), where fans shared clips and reactions under hashtags like #KundanLives, #RaanjhanaaReborn, and #DhanushReturns. One fan posted, “I never thought I’d see Kundan smile again after that heartbreak. This new ending broke me in a whole different way. Dhanush deserves the world.” Another tweet read, “This is not just an edit—it’s closure. We cried for Kundan in 2013, but in 2025, we get to see him live. What a moment.”
The original Raanjhanaa, directed by Aanand L. Rai and written by Himanshu Sharma, left an unforgettable impact on audiences with its unflinching portrayal of unrequited love, sacrifice, and heartbreak. Dhanush’s portrayal of Kundan Shankar, a small-town boy hopelessly in love with Zoya (played by Sonam Kapoor), won him immense critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base across the country. The film’s ending, which saw Kundan dying in a hospital bed after being stabbed while trying to protect Zoya’s political future, was heart-wrenching and resonated with many.
But the re-release’s altered ending offers something rare in cinema: a second chance at life for a beloved character. In this AI-enhanced version, Kundan survives his injuries and embarks on a quieter, introspective life—one not rooted in obsession or loss, but in healing and rediscovery. The final scenes show him walking by the Ganges, a soft smile on his face, as the iconic background score swells once more—this time with hope, not sorrow.
Filmmaker Aanand L. Rai issued a statement following the release, saying, “This was not about rewriting the past, but about reimagining possibility. Kundan’s story touched millions, and this alternate ending is our tribute to those who always wished he had a second chance.”
The use of AI in reshaping the film has also sparked discussions about the evolving nature of storytelling in cinema. While some purists argue that classic films should be left untouched, many fans have welcomed the new ending as a respectful reinterpretation, not a replacement. Film forums and review platforms have seen a surge in debate around the ethical and creative implications of AI in film editing—but the overwhelming consensus remains that the alternate ending of Raanjhanaa is a deeply emotional gift for fans.
Dhanush, who has remained quiet about the re-release, is reportedly moved by the love being showered upon the film all over again. A close associate said, “He was emotional when he saw the new version. For him, Kundan is one of those characters who lives on inside him. This re-release only reinforces that.”
As Raanjhanaa enjoys its moment in the spotlight once again, it’s clear that the story of Kundan has transcended its original narrative. With the help of technology and the enduring love of fans, a character once confined to tragedy has now been given a new breath of life—and with it, a legacy that feels even more timeless.
