Ranbir Kapoor has addressed the criticism surrounding the visual effects of his much-awaited film Ramayana. Since the trailer was released, the film’s ambitious visuals and CGI have become a major topic of discussion, with viewers divided over whether the effects live up to the scale of the project.
In a recent conversation with Collider, Ranbir spoke about the growing number of viewers who closely analyse computer-generated imagery in films. He said the audience has become much more aware of CGI, especially with the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and visual technology.
Ranbir on the rise of ‘CG critics’
According to Ranbir, people today are increasingly quick to judge the quality of VFX after watching just a trailer. He described the trend as the rise of “CG critics” and explained that many viewers may not realise how much work goes into creating even a single visual.
The actor pointed out that visual effects are not simply created by pressing a button or using AI. Behind every frame are artists and technicians who can spend months or even years working on a project.
Ranbir said he has personally seen director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra involved in lengthy VFX discussions since the beginning of Ramayana. He recalled how even small details, such as getting the exact colour of the sky right, could involve extensive discussions and revisions.
‘People think someone just used AI’
Ranbir also expressed amusement at the assumption that filmmakers can simply use AI to create finished visuals.
He explained that there are “countless hours of work” involved, with large teams of artists working to make the CGI look convincing. According to the actor, filmmakers now face the difficult task of meeting an audience that has become increasingly knowledgeable and demanding about visual effects.
The criticism of Ramayana has therefore become part of a larger conversation about how audiences consume big-budget films. With trailers often watched on smartphones and social media clips, visual details can look very different from how they appear in a theatre.
Makers ask audiences to experience it on the big screen
Producer Namit Malhotra has also responded to the discussion around the film’s visuals. He suggested that some of the criticism may come from viewers watching the trailer on their phones instead of seeing it in the large-format presentation for which the film has been designed.
Malhotra compared the experience to Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, arguing that large-scale films are created to be experienced on big screens with powerful sound and picture quality.
Ranbir leads the ambitious Ramayana
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana features an impressive ensemble cast. Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Rama, while Sai Pallavi portrays Sita. Yash takes on the role of Ravana, with Ravi Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman.
The film also features Arun Govil, Vivek Oberoi, Rakul Preet Singh and Lara Dutta in important roles.
Reportedly mounted on a massive budget of around ₹4,000 crore, Ramayana is being planned as a two-part cinematic spectacle. The first part is scheduled to arrive around Diwali 2026, followed by the second part during Diwali 2027.
With the film carrying enormous expectations, its VFX will remain under close scrutiny. For now, Ranbir’s message is clear: the final cinematic experience should be judged after audiences see the finished film rather than solely on early trailer footage viewed on a phone.
