The cinematic world is buzzing following the long-awaited unveiling of the Ramayana teaser this Thursday. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, the glimpse officially introduced Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama. While the visual scale of the production is undeniably massive, early reactions from netizens suggest a polarized reception, ranging from divine praise to comparisons with past cinematic missteps.
Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal has been the primary focal point of the discourse. Supporters have taken to social media to laud the actor’s transformation, citing his “calm and composed face” as the perfect embodiment of Shree Ram’s serenity.
However, the weight of expectation—fueled by a reported budget of ₹4000 crore—has left a segment of the audience feeling underwhelmed. Some viewers expressed slight disappointment, noting that while Ranbir looks the part, the overall impact didn’t quite reach the “breathtaking” heights they anticipated.
A significant point of contention remains the film’s VFX. Despite Namit Malhotra’s background with the Oscar-winning DNEG, some critics on X (formerly Twitter) have labeled certain shots “unbearable,” with a few even drawing unfavorable comparisons to the 2023 film Adipurush. Conversely, fans of the project argue that the glimpses of Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravie Dubay as Lakshmana, and a brief, shadowy appearance by Yash as Raavan promise a theatrical experience unlike any other.
The stakes are exceptionally high for this mythological epic. As the first part of the trilogy prepares for a Diwali 2026 release, the industry is already speculating whether it can challenge the box office records set by Dhurandhar: The Revenge. With Part 1 rumored to culminate in the pivotal Sita Haran, and Part 2 already slated for Diwali 2027, the makers have a narrow window to fine-tune the visuals and win over the skeptics before the grand premiere.