Indian cinema’s highly anticipated project, Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is officially scheduled for release during Diwali 2026, with a second installment planned for Diwali 2027. The ambitious two-part epic features a star-studded cast, including Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana. With a massive budget and grand vision, the film aims to bring the legendary mythological tale to life on an unprecedented scale.
Since the release of its teaser, Ramayana has sparked intense online discussions. While many fans have praised its grandeur, critics have pointed out shortcomings in its visual effects, with some describing the teaser as reminiscent of a video game. The debate has divided audiences and industry insiders alike.
Amidst the controversy, actor Hrithik Roshan has stepped forward to defend the film and its creative choices. In a detailed Instagram post, Roshan urged viewers to reserve judgment until the final product is unveiled. He acknowledged that subpar VFX can be painful, but emphasized that visual effects serve different artistic styles and purposes.
Roshan explained that not all VFX aim for photorealism; some styles are meant to evoke a storybook or divine aesthetic, which may not require hyper-realistic visuals. He stressed the importance of understanding the intent behind the visual style before criticizing.
He concluded by advising audiences to consider whether the visual effects serve the story and evoke the intended emotions, rather than simply judging based on realism. “Debate with awareness,” he urged, emphasizing that art is subjective and style matters.
Ramayana is set to be one of the most significant releases in Indian cinema in the coming years, promising a cinematic retelling of a timeless epic across two grand installments.