Hrithik Roshan Reacts To Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana VFX Backlash: 'So Bad It's Painful To Watch'

The internet has opinions, and this time it’s all about Ramayana. Ever since the teaser dropped, conversations have been buzzing but not all of them glowing. But just when the debate started getting louder, Hrithik Roshan stepped in with a perspective that’s got people thinking a little deeper.

The upcoming magnum opus, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, has been under scrutiny following the release of its teaser. While anticipation around the film remains high, a section of viewers has expressed disappointment, particularly with the visual effects. Despite being promoted as a landmark in Indian VFX, some social media users described portions of the teaser as resembling a “video game”.

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Amid the

chatter, Hrithik Roshan shared a detailed note on Instagram around VFX in cinema. Reflecting on his own experiences, he acknowledged that subpar visual effects can be jarring. “Yes bad VFX exists. It’s sometimes so bad it’s painful to watch. Especially for me… and especially when it’s a film I’m part of,” he wrote.

He then revisited a formative memory from his childhood, describing how watching Back to the Future at the age of 11 in London left a lasting impression. “I became obsessed. I would sit with my dads VHS player studying the frames pause -play pause-play until I broke the player. I ordered a book “industrial light and Magic” The Art of Special Effects” from Reader’s Digest with my pocket money…and waited months for it to arrive at the Juhu post office. Happiest day of my life. I can still smell the book as I unwrapped it. Many others followed.”

Roshan used this anecdote to highlight his admiration for filmmakers who take creative risks with large-scale visual storytelling. Praising projects that push boundaries, he said, “Today some special humans among us, like the makers of films like Kalki, Bahubali, Ramayana (also my dad for koi mil gaya n krrish ofcourse) are my heroes, they have the guts and vision to do what’s never been done all for the love of cinema so that we the audience get to experience something never watched before. From mv point of view they risked all that money, and years and years of effort just so another 11yr old kid could feel what I felt.”

The actor also elaborated on the distinction between different VFX approaches, noting that not all visual storytelling is intended to mirror reality. He explained that criticism should consider the film’s chosen style and narrative goals. “Bad vfx is if the movie promises say ‘photorealism’ but is unable to inhabit it fully. Even a small lapse in physics/gravity can then destroy the entire illusion. Or the promise is of storybook style but they fail in making it beautiful enough or artistic enough or divine enough and so fails to engage. But to say that the storybook style is not looking photorealistic – isn’t fair. Cause it’s not meant to be.”

He concluded his post by encouraging audiences to reflect more thoughtfully before forming opinions. “AND you can’t criticize the maker just cause he has chosen one stvle while vou prefer another style. Thats not fair. So sometimes when you say “bad VFX.” Maybe it’s just a style you didn’t expect? So next time don’t just ask, “Is it real?” First ask, “Is it right for the story?” “is it making me feel what the maker intended?” Debate it. But debate it with awareness.”

Directed as a two-part cinematic venture, Ramayana features a large ensemble cast. Alongside Ranbir Kapoor, the film stars Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. Kajal Aggarwal and Rakul Preet Singh will portray Mandodari and Surpanakha, respectively. The cast also includes Arun Govil, Kunal Kapoor, Adinath Kothare, Sheeba Chaddha and Indira Krishnan.

The first instalment is scheduled to release in theatres this Diwali, with the second part set to arrive on Diwali 2027.