Ranbir Kapoor’s upcoming film Ramayana has stirred significant debate following the release of its three-minute first look, which is said to be the longest in Indian cinema history.
Despite the film’s staggering budget of around ₹900 crore for the first part (with a total franchise budget reported at ₹1,600 crore), the visuals have faced criticism.
The entire movie is shot on green screens with all environments created through VFX, but many viewers have described the quality of the effects as substandard, questioning whether the high cost is justified given the current output.
The film’s production team includes acclaimed names like director Nitesh Tiwari and VFX handled by Namit Malhotra’s company, known for work on international blockbusters.
Expectations are high, especially after the backlash faced by Adipurush, another recent mythological epic criticized for poor CGI and misrepresentation of Hindu deities.
Ramayana aims to avoid these pitfalls, with a star-studded cast including Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman.
However, controversy surrounds the film beyond its technical aspects.
Ranbir Kapoor’s casting has been questioned due to an old comment he made about eating beef nearly 15 years ago, which some critics have used to challenge his suitability for the divine role.
This criticism has sparked heated debates on social media, with supporters like singer Chinmayi defending Kapoor and condemning the intolerance behind such attacks.
Additionally, the film’s title spelling—Ramayan versus Ramayana—has sparked cultural discussions about anglicization and authenticity.
Religious sensitivities remain a potential source of legal challenges, as seen with previous epics, adding to the film’s complex reception.
Despite the controversies and mixed reactions to the first look, Ramayana remains one of the most anticipated films in Indian cinema, promising a grand retelling of the epic with cutting-edge technology and a high-profile cast.
