First Look of Namit Malhotra's Ramayana Sparks Mixed Reactions

The first look of Namit Malhotra's Ramayana, featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, has generated mixed reactions online. Critics have pointed out inconsistencies in the teaser, particularly regarding the use of AI technology and visual effects. Fans have taken to social media to express their concerns, comparing the film unfavorably to other productions. With a massive budget and high expectations, the film is set to release in two parts, starting in October 2026. This adaptation marks a significant cinematic endeavor, but early feedback raises questions about its execution.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 3, 2026, 12:56 IST

Mixed Reactions to Ramayana's First Look

Namit Malhotra's adaptation of the Ramayana unveiled its much-anticipated first look on April 2, coinciding with Hanuman Jayanti. The film features Ranbir Kapoor in the role of Lord Rama, alongside Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. However, the initial reactions have been mixed, with many criticizing the film for its use of AI technology, which they believe has been misapplied. This ambitious project, often compared to Lord of the Rings, boasts a staggering budget of Rs 4000 crore and has faced backlash on social media, particularly regarding a specific teaser scene.

In the teaser, Lord Rama (played by Ranbir Kapoor) is depicted walking among his subjects, who are showering him with flowers. However, observant viewers have pointed out an inconsistency: a young boy appears to bow not to Lord Rama but rather to the camera. As the scene progresses, this same boy is seen throwing flowers at Lord Rama, raising questions about the production's attention to detail. Additionally, the two individuals next to him are seen continuously showering Lord Rama with flowers, with only the color of one man's turban changing—leading many to speculate whether this is an editorial mistake or a flaw in AI usage.

One user shared a clip from the teaser, commenting, "The kid bows to Ranbir Kapoor while he walks past him, then the same kid appears in the next frame throwing flowers 😂. #grok can create better AI videos than this." Another user compared the teaser to Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar, stating, "After #Dhurandhar, everything Bollywood produces will seem cartoonish. #Ramayana deserved better!"

Another viewer remarked, "In the first frame, the kid bows down as Ranbir passes, and in the next frame, he is showering flowers on him. And we're competing with Hollywood with these AI videos in 2026 🤡🙏 #Ramayana." A fourth user humorously noted, "It's sloppy. How hard is it to find extras? Galgotia students would line up just for attendance," while another pointed out, "It's definitely AI; notice how the color of the turban behind that child changes from purple to green!"

Criticism has also been directed at the film's visual effects, with one viewer stating, "The creature shots look like PS4 cut scenes, and Namit Malhotra had the audacity to claim it's on par with Avatar. How can they expect to impress a global audience when a B-tier Hollywood film has similar VFX?" Ramayana represents the second major cinematic adaptation of Valmiki’s epic in India within the last decade, following Om Raut’s Adipurush, which starred Prabhas and Kriti Sanon and faced significant criticism and poor box office performance. The two-part saga is set for a festive release, with Ramayana: Part One hitting theaters in October 2026 ahead of Diwali, and Part Two scheduled for October 2027.