Actor Slams "Problematic" Raanjhanaa Tropes

Actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub has broken his silence on the controversial themes of stalking and aggressive one-sided love present in the 2013 film Raanjhanaa. He admitted that the film's central character's actions were problematic and stated he would not defend them, emphasizing that such aggressive displays in love are wrong and should not be celebrated. Ayyub also stressed the importance of critically engaging with films rather than dismissing them as mere art.

The renewed debate coincides with Raanjhanaa's re-release featuring an AI-modified ending. This alteration, which sees the protagonist survive, has ignited a dispute between director Aanand L. Rai and the production house Eros. Rai has condemned the unauthorized AI changes, deeming them a dangerous precedent for filmmaking.

Eros, however, has defended its actions and its rights over the film's content. The conflict has further escalated with Eros accusing Rai of utilizing the Raanjhanaa intellectual property in his upcoming film, Tere Ishk Mein, which also stars Dhanush and Kriti Sanon and is reportedly facing similar criticism regarding its narrative themes.