Ranbir Kapoor defends 'Ramayana' VFX: 'People think it's AI'

Mumbai: Actor Ranbir Kapoor has hit back at the growing criticism over the visual effects in the upcoming epic 'Ramayana', saying that most of the backlash stems from people watching the trailer on their phones and mistaking the CGI for artificial intelligence.

Speaking at a promotional event, Kapoor said, “People are mistaking it for AI after watching the trailer on a phone. They think someone just used a tool and generated it. That is not the case.” His comments come amid a wave of online trolling, with several social media users questioning the film's VFX quality.

Team defends the scale of the production

Director Nitesh Tiwari, known for his work on 'Dangal', and producer Namit Malhotra also addressed the criticism. They asserted that the film's visual effects are the result of extensive work by international teams and not a quick fix. Malhotra, who has backed the project through his VFX company, said the scale of the production is unprecedented for Indian cinema.

The makers argue that judging a film of this magnitude on a small screen does a disservice to the craft involved. They pointed out that the trailer is a glimpse, and the final product will be experienced in theatres, where the details will be visible.

Online critics under fire

Kapoor did not hold back, calling out what he described as “CGI critics” who have no technical understanding of how visual effects are created. “Everyone on the internet suddenly has become an expert. They watch a 2-minute trailer on a 5-inch screen and pass a verdict on months of work,” he said.

The actor's remarks have sparked a debate online, with some supporting his stance and others insisting that audiences have the right to critique what they see. This is not the first time a big-budget Indian film has faced such scrutiny; earlier projects like 'Adipurush' were heavily criticised for their VFX, which the makers later attempted to improve.

A costly gamble for Indian cinema

'Ramayana' is reportedly one of the most expensive Indian films ever made, with a significant portion of the budget allocated to visual effects. The team has collaborated with international studios to bring the epic to life, and the stakes are high. Early reactions to the trailer have been mixed, with many praising the grandeur but questioning the realism of certain sequences.

Malhotra defended the film's approach, stating that the team is committed to delivering a cinematic experience that honours the epic. He added that the use of advanced technology is meant to enhance the storytelling, not replace it.

As the release date approaches, the makers are banking on the theatrical experience to silence the detractors. Kapoor, who plays Lord Ram in the film, said he is confident that audiences will appreciate the effort once they see it on the big screen.

What remains to be seen is whether the ongoing chatter will affect the film's box office performance. With a release slated for later this year, the team is expected to ramp up promotions and possibly release more behind-the-scenes content to showcase the VFX work.

The debate over the film's effects is unlikely to die down soon, but the makers are firm in their belief that the final product will speak for itself. As the release date nears, all eyes will be on whether the epic lives up to its towering expectations.