The teaser of Nitesh Tiwari‘s Ramayana starring Ranbir Kapoor has sparked a divided response, with a section of social media criticising its VFX as “video game-like.” Amid the ongoing debate, Hrithik Roshan has come out in support of filmmakers, urging audiences to view visual effects with more awareness.
“Bad VFX exists… but so does vision”
Taking to Instagram, Hrithik acknowledged that poor VFX can be disappointing, but stressed that intent and scale of filmmaking should also be recognised.“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.However, he quickly shifted focus to the effort behind such projects. “Today some special humans among us, like the makers of films like Kalki, Baahubali, Ramayana… are my heroes. They have the guts and vision to do what’s never been done—all for the love of cinema.”Reflecting on his own childhood inspiration from films like Back to the Future, Hrithik highlighted the larger purpose behind ambitious VFX-heavy cinema.“To me that’s noble. The intention by itself deserves applause! I am proud of my fellow Indians. What I would give to be a part of such dreams even as an assistant,” he shared.
‘You can like one style over the other, but neither is wrong’
Addressing the criticism around Ramayana, Hrithik explained that not all VFX is meant to look photorealistic.“In my little understanding… there are different VFX styles adopted by makers to bring their vision to life,” he wrote.“You can like one style over the other but neither is wrong,” he added, comparing it to animation styles and cinematic choices across films.The actor went on to define what, in his view, actually constitutes poor visual effects.“Bad VFX is if the movie promises ‘photorealism’ but is unable to inhabit it fully… Or the promise is of storybook style but they fail in making it beautiful enough,” he explained.“But to say that the storybook style is not looking photorealistic isn’t fair. Cause it’s not meant to be.”
‘Maybe it’s just a style you didn’t expect?’
Hrithik concluded his note by urging audiences to rethink how they critique films.“So sometimes when you say ‘bad VFX.’ Maybe it’s just a style you didn’t expect?” he wrote.“So next time don’t just ask, ‘Is it real?’ First ask, ‘Is it right for the story?’… Debate it. But debate it with awareness.”Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Hanuman.Ramayana: Part I is slated for a grand Diwali release this year.
