Following the public reveal of promotional footage for the upcoming mythological epic Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, audience reactions were split between widespread praise and sharp criticism regarding its visual effects. A segment of viewers began drawing direct comparisons to the visuals of Adipurush, while certain religious groups approached the filmmakers with requests for a private screening prior to the theatrical launch. Addressing these reactions and the evolving scrutiny of moviegoers, lead actor Ranbir Kapoor and producer Namit Malhotra have now offered detailed perspectives on modern computer-generated imagery expectations.
Ranbir Kapoor Explains the Impact of AI on Audience Perception
Speaking in a recent interview, Ranbir Kapoor addressed the ongoing criticism surrounding the film's graphics by highlighting how the rapid rise of artificial intelligence has heightened audience scrutiny regarding computer-generated imagery, commonly known as CGI. The actor observed that over the last few years, everyday viewers have essentially transformed into harsh graphic critics who often perceive unfinished visual work as inadequate. With AI tools now widely accessible, audiences have become far more conscious of digital artwork and visual fidelity.
Kapoor pointed out that many people mistakenly believe AI can instantly generate complex cinematic imagery with a simple text prompt. However, he emphasized that authentic filmmaking graphics require extraordinary manual effort and artistry. The actor noted that artists spend years perfecting every single detail, recalling how he witnessed director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra participating in endless technical VFX calls from the project's inception, sometimes spending hours just to get the exact natural shade of a background sky right. According to Kapoor, impressive modern audiences with CGI has become increasingly difficult due to these elevated standards. He remarked, "You know, there are endless hours of work involved."
Producer Namit Malhotra Dismisses Backlash as Noise and Points to Mobile Viewing
Producer Namit Malhotra described the ongoing online backlash as mere background noise that fails to reflect the actual quality of the film. He explained that judging the intricate visual presentation and sound design of an epic feature on a small smartphone display is fundamentally flawed. In his view, small screens cannot reproduce the scale, depth, and color accuracy designed for giant theatrical formats.
Malhotra strongly encouraged content creators, influencers, and film enthusiasts to evaluate the footage in its intended environment rather than on mobile devices. He stated, "People are watching the trailer on phones instead of watching it in IMAX 3D." Citing Christopher Nolan's film The Odyssey as an example of cinema crafted specifically for premium screens, Malhotra reiterated that an IMAX screen provides the ultimate viewing experience and urged audiences to wait for the proper format before forming conclusions.
Star Cast, 4000 Crore Budget, and Two-Part Release Timeline
The cinematic adaptation of Ramayana is being directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, backed by a massive budget of 4,000 crore rupees. This substantial investment positions the project among the most ambitious ventures in Indian cinema history. The film features a star-studded ensemble cast, with Ranbir Kapoor portraying Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi starring as Sita, Ravi Dubey playing Laxman, Yash taking on the role of Ravan, and Sunny Deol depicting Lord Hanuman.
To capture the full scale of the epic narrative without compromising details, the production team has structured the project into two distinct feature parts. The first installment is scheduled to hit theaters globally during Diwali 2026, while the concluding second part will follow during Diwali 2027.
