'Ramayana' teaser: Netizens question Ranbir Kapoor's casting and VFX as internet picks Mahesh Babu's 'Varanasi' over it

The teaser for ‘Ramayana’, starring Ranbir Kapoor and directed by Nitesh Tiwari, has finally dropped, offering a visually grand glimpse into the epic. Packed with CGI-heavy frames and mythological scale, the teaser has received appreciation for its cinematography. However, despite the buzz, a section of viewers remains unconvinced, leading to mixed reactions across social media platforms.Soon after the teaser for ‘Ramayana’ dropped, some users began questioning Ranbir Kapoor’s casting as Lord Ram. A few X users (formerly Twitter) commented that he “looked aged” and didn’t appear “convincing” in the role. While some praised the visual scale, others felt the execution didn’t fully match the expectations built around the film’s ambitious premise.The visual effects of ‘Ramayana’ became a major talking point, with opinions sharply divided. While some viewers appreciated the effort, others described certain sequences as “exaggerated” despite the reported high budget. A few users remarked that parts of the teaser “look like scenes cut from PS4,” while another questioned how it would “amaze” a global audience when compared to international standards.Several reactions also pointed towards the apparent use of AI in ‘Ramayana’, calling it “too noticeable” in certain frames. Users stressed that the film’s visual effects need refinement to feel more “authentic.” One comment summed up the sentiment by stating, “The ‘Ramayana’ teaser felt like a project, not passionate filmmaking,” highlighting concerns about emotional depth.A noticeable section of viewers compared ‘Ramayana’ with SS Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’ glimpse featuring Mahesh Babu. Both projects explore mythological themes, leading to inevitable comparisons. While many leaned towards ‘Varanasi’, others argued that such comparisons are unfair, as both narratives differ significantly in tone, scale, and storytelling approach.Some users brought up Mani Ratnam’s ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ while discussing ‘Ramayana’, praising its grounded and realistic visual treatment. One comment noted that ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ looks “realistic” due to extensive real-location shoots, even though it was made on a much smaller budget. This sparked further debate about visual authenticity versus scale.Amid the ongoing discussions, a few users referenced the animated film ‘Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama’, stating, “Nothing has topped this yet.” The comparison highlighted how earlier adaptations continue to hold emotional and visual value for audiences, even in the era of advanced CGI-driven storytelling.This isn’t the first time ‘Ramayana’ has faced backlash. Earlier glimpses had also triggered criticism, ranging from creative concerns to debates over casting choices. Some users revisited old statements by Ranbir Kapoor, reigniting controversies that had previously surfaced around ‘Brahmastra’, adding another layer to the ongoing discourse.Apart from Ranbir Kapoor, ‘Ramayana’ features Sai Pallavi as Sita and Sunny Deol as Hanuman, with reports suggesting Raghav Juyal in a significant role. Backed by Namit Malhotra, the film’s music is composed by AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer. The visuals are crafted by DNEG, known for their work on global blockbusters.‘Ramayana’ is planned as a two-part cinematic saga. The first installment is slated for a Diwali release this year, while the second part is expected to arrive during the same festive period in 2027. Despite the mixed reactions to the teaser, the film continues to remain one of the most anticipated mythological projects in Indian cinema.