Los Angeles, USA – The highly anticipated cinematic adaptation of the epic Ramayana has become a focal point of online debate, particularly concerning its visual effects and computer-generated imagery. In a candid interaction while promoting the film in the US, director Nitesh Tiwari, lead actor Ranbir Kapoor, and producer Namit Malhotra have directly addressed the ongoing criticism, shedding light on the immense effort invested in bringing the ambitious project to fruition.

Nitesh Tiwari Confirms “Finishing Touches” for ‘Ramayana: Part 1’

During an interview with Collider, the creative team offered an update on the film’s progress and tackled the online discourse head-on. When questioned about the completion status of Part 1, director Tiwari confirmed, “We are sorted, the edit is locked. At the moment we are busy giving finishing touches to our VFX work which is a very very daunting task.”

Tiwari underscored the painstaking nature of the visual effects, stating, “If you see the film, you’ll realise how much hard work has gone into purely getting the VFX in place.” His remarks aim to contextualize the intricate processes involved in creating a mythological epic on such a grand scale.

Ranbir Kapoor Defends ‘Ramayana’ CGI Against Misconceptions

Ranbir Kapoor, portraying Lord Rama, came to the defense of the film’s CGI, challenging public perceptions about its creation. “People don’t know how CGI is done. People think that someone just used some AI and released something,” Kapoor explained, debunking the misconception that visual effects are a simple, automated process.

He further elaborated on the dedication involved: “There’s countless hours of work where artists have been working for years. I’ve seen Nitesh sir or Namit sitting on VFX calls ever since this project started. Trying to get even a certain colour of the sky right.” Kapoor acknowledged the evolving expectations of audiences, adding, “I think it is tricky right now to impress the audience with authentic CGI.”

Namit Malhotra on Navigating Online Discussion and Education

Producer Namit Malhotra acknowledged the significant online “noise” and criticism surrounding ‘Ramayana’. He outlined the team’s efforts to engage with the public, stating, “We’ve had a lot of that noise that’s also happening and we are doing what we can, to a large number of creators and influencers, to sort of educate them about giving the film a fair appraisal of what it is supposed to be.” This proactive approach highlights a strategy to inform and guide public opinion, distinguishing between informed critique and uninformed assumptions.

Nitesh Tiwari on the Challenge of Online Trolls and “Nitpicking”

Director Tiwari further reflected on the challenges posed by online scrutiny, particularly from those determined to find flaws. “The sad reality is that if somebody is hell-bent on nitpicking, your biggest effort will be ignored and your smallest mistake would be amplified,” he lamented, pointing to the disproportionate attention given to perceived imperfections.

With its ambitious scope, a stellar cast, and a creative team dedicated to a monumental undertaking, ‘Ramayana’ is poised to be a landmark cinematic event. Despite the early online criticism, the team remains committed to delivering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant interpretation of the ancient epic, urging audiences to reserve judgment until the full artistic vision is unveiled.