Controversy Surrounds Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana Over Visual Effects Claims
Ramayana Faces Online Backlash
The highly anticipated mythological film Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, has sparked a fresh wave of controversy online. A content creator has alleged that the filmmakers intentionally released a subpar preview of Ranbir Kapoor portraying Lord Rama to generate buzz and discussions. This assertion has gained traction, reigniting debates about the film's visual effects just months ahead of its theatrical release. However, the filmmakers have yet to confirm or deny these claims, leaving them unverified.
Alongside Ranbir Kapoor, the film features a star-studded cast including Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol, Ravi Dubey, and Kajal Aggarwal.
Details of the Viral Allegation
What sparked the discussion?
Reports indicate that earlier this week, the Ramayana team hosted a special event where select digital creators were invited to visit the film's sets and engage with director Nitesh Tiwari, producer Namit Malhotra, and actors including Ranbir Kapoor and Yash. Among the attendees was content creator Dhruv Parikshit, who later shared his experience on social media.
During the event, Dhruv praised the film's visual effects, stating that the world-building was comparable to major international productions. However, he also claimed that a member of the VFX team revealed that the teaser featuring Ranbir Kapoor was intentionally released in a lower quality, despite better versions being available. This now-deleted comment suggested that the filmmakers aimed to provoke online discussions and criticism, which could serve as free publicity for the film.
The Controversial Video
What video is being discussed?
The video in question had circulated on fan pages months prior, showcasing Ranbir Kapoor in his role as Lord Ram. While many viewers praised the teaser's scale and ambition, others criticized the CGI and creature designs, calling for enhancements before the film's release. The production team later reassured audiences that the visual effects would be polished before the film's debut.
Dhruv's Clarification
Change in Dhruv's Statement
Following the viral spread of his original comment, Dhruv deleted it and posted a clarification. In his updated statement, he acknowledged that the VFX work was progressing well and that some of the unfinished footage he had seen was likely completed months ago. He also praised the character designs, describing the film's visual world as a beautiful fantasy inspired by Indian culture.
His revised comment stated, "VFX pe kaam chal raha hai, and kaafi accha kaam ho bhi Gaya hai. Humko kuch incomplete footages bhi dikhaye the and i believe vo already complete ho chuke hain mahino pahle hi (Work on the VFX is ongoing and it is good. We were shown some incomplete footage but I believe it is all complete). And bhai, character designs!! They're gorgeous! They're absolutely wonderful. It is more like a very beautiful fantasy world, but in an Indian setting. It is going to be a great theatrical experience (sic)."
Ongoing Speculation
Despite Dhruv's deletion of the original comment, screenshots have continued to circulate on social media, fueling further speculation and debate. As of now, neither director Nitesh Tiwari nor producer Namit Malhotra has addressed the allegations regarding the teaser's visual effects. Ramayana is set to release during Diwali 2026, with a sequel expected a year later.