May 16, 2025: Actor Ranbir Kapoor, who launched his fashion and lifestyle label ARKS on his 42nd birthday last year, is facing heavy backlash on social media for the brand’s lackluster designs. Despite a strong Instagram following and celebrity backing, many internet users feel the brand offers little in terms of creativity or originality.
Also Read: Avneet Kaur Shares Pics With Tom Cruise At Cannes, Teases Role in Mission Impossible 8?
A discussion on Reddit sparked the debate after a user posted a screenshot of an ARKS advertisement with the caption:
“I see no vision with this clothing brand started by Ranbir. They are heavily advertising on Instagram.”
This opened the floodgates, with several users chiming in with criticism.
“People aren’t so naive anymore that they’d buy a brand just because an Indian actor ‘owns’ it,” one comment read.
Another pointed out: “Looks like a basic GAP denim jacket!”
The reactions were particularly scathing around the brand’s perceived lack of effort, with one user writing:
“Imagine having every opportunity since birth and still putting out something so mediocre.”
Another compared it unfavorably to Justin Bieber’s Drew House, saying:
“He thought this would sell like hotcakes like Drew did.”
One of the harshest takes labeled the brand a “cash grab”, accusing it of “looting commoners” by offering uninspired, overpriced basics.
Despite the criticism, ARKS has managed to grow a substantial online presence, with over 188,000 Instagram followers. Notably, the brand’s official page does not follow any accounts — a common branding move aimed at maintaining a curated aesthetic.
Ranbir’s Brand vs. Celebrity Label Boom
Ranbir Kapoor joins the likes of Katrina Kaif (Kay Beauty), Deepika Padukone (82°E), Alia Bhatt (Ed-a-Mamma), and Hrithik Roshan (HRX) in launching a personal brand. However, unlike some of these labels that have carved a clear identity, critics say ARKS lacks a unique vision and falls flat in a saturated market.
As of now, Ranbir has not publicly addressed the criticism.
What’s Next for Ranbir?
On the professional front, Ranbir is currently making headlines for his upcoming big-budget film, Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The actor will portray Lord Ram, with the mythological epic generating massive buzz among fans and trade watchers alike.