Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has defended the visual effects in Ramayana, saying audiences often underestimate the time, skill and effort required to create high-quality computer-generated imagery.

Kapoor said artists and filmmakers have spent years developing the film’s visuals. He argued that viewers may not realise how much work goes into producing realistic CGI.

“People don’t know how CG is done,” Kapoor said in an interview with Indian media. He added that many people assume filmmakers can simply use AI to create visual effects and release them.

The actor praised director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra for their involvement in the project’s visual development. He said the pair had regularly participated in VFX discussions since production began.

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Kapoor recalled seeing Tiwari and Malhotra spend hours reviewing even small visual details. He said they worked to achieve the right look for elements such as the colour of the sky.

His comments come as Ramayana CGI faces growing attention from audiences online. Kapoor said the rise of social media has created a new group of viewers who closely analyse visual effects in films.

He also said audiences have become more knowledgeable about CGI because of the rapid growth of AI-generated content.

Filmmakers seek big-screen impact

Malhotra said online reactions can sometimes change when audiences experience a film in cinemas rather than watching promotional footage on smaller screens.

He recalled criticism surrounding an earlier teaser. According to Malhotra, some viewers changed their opinions after seeing the material on a large IMAX screen in 3D.

He said the production team has spent years and millions of dollars developing the film for a theatrical experience.

Kapoor acknowledged that the growing popularity of AI has made audiences more interested in how filmmakers create visual effects.

He said viewers now pay greater attention to whether CGI looks authentic. That growing awareness, he added, has made it increasingly difficult for filmmakers to surprise audiences.

AI puts Bollywood visuals under scrutiny

The debate over CGI comes as artificial intelligence continues to influence India’s film industry.

Several Bollywood productions have faced criticism over the use of AI-generated imagery. Varun Dhawan’s Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, for example, attracted online attention after viewers questioned AI-generated toddlers featured in its trailer.

AI has also begun influencing music videos, promotional material and other aspects of film production in India.

The growing use of the technology has created new opportunities for filmmakers while also increasing scrutiny from audiences who expect visual effects to appear convincing.

Ramayana will therefore enter cinemas amid heightened expectations over its visual presentation. The film is scheduled to arrive on November 8, with its production team hoping that years of VFX work will translate effectively to the big screen.