Cinema VinesRanbir Kapoor has taken to the media to defend the visual effects of his upcoming epic, Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, after a wave of online backlash over the CGI showcased in the film’s July 30 trailer. In a recent interview with Collider, the actor explained that the public’s growing fascination with CGI—especially in an era when artificial‑intelligence tools are becoming mainstream—has led to a new breed of “CG critics” who scrutinise every frame for perceived flaws.
Kapoor said viewers now expect a higher standard of visual fidelity and are quick to point out what they see as shortcomings. He noted that many of these critics assume the effects were produced with cheap AI software, when in fact the team has spent countless hours refining details such as the colour of the sky. “I’ve seen Nitesh sir and Namit sitting on VFX calls since the start of this project, trying to get even a certain colour of the sky right,” he remarked, highlighting the painstaking effort that goes into the film’s VFX.
Producer Namit Malhotra echoed Kapoor’s sentiment, arguing that a large portion of the criticism stems from audiences watching the trailer on small screens rather than experiencing it in the intended format. He described the negative comments as “noise” and urged viewers to watch the film in IMAX 3D, citing Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey as an example of a movie best appreciated on a large‑format screen. According to Malhotra, judging the quality of sound and visuals on a phone does not reflect the cinematic experience the team has designed.
Ramayana, which is set to be released in two parts—first part slated for Diwali 2026 and the second for Diwali 2027—features a star‑studded cast that includes Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, and supporting roles from Arun Govil, Vivek Oberoi, Rakul Preet Singh and Lara Dutta. With a reported budget of ₹4,000 crore, the film is one of the most expensive Indian productions to date.
As the release date approaches, Kapoor and the production team remain confident that the film’s visual storytelling will resonate with audiences, especially when viewed in the immersive environment of an IMAX theatre. They continue to encourage fans to set aside pre‑conceptions and experience the epic as it was intended, hoping that the grandeur of Ramayana will ultimately win over even the most skeptical critics.
