Hrithik Roshan Backs ‘Ramayana’ Amid VFX Criticism, Signals Confidence in Big-Budget Mythological Cinema

By Kartik Sharma , 19 April 2026
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Hrithik Roshan has publicly defended the ambitious film Ramayana amid criticism surrounding its visual effects, emphasizing the scale and long-term vision of the project. The debate highlights the growing scrutiny faced by high-budget productions in India’s evolving cinematic landscape. With investments often running into hundreds of crores (Rs.), audience expectations around quality and technological sophistication have intensified. The controversy underscores broader industry dynamics, including the rising importance of VFX capabilities, global benchmarking, and the financial stakes tied to large-scale mythological adaptations.

Rising Expectations in High-Budget Filmmaking

The criticism directed at “Ramayana” reflects a broader shift in audience expectations. As Indian cinema increasingly competes on a global stage, viewers demand visual standards comparable to international productions.

Hrithik Roshan’s defense underscores the complexity of large-scale filmmaking, where visual effects are often refined over extended production timelines. Early-stage previews or leaked visuals may not accurately represent the final output, a point frequently emphasized by industry insiders.

VFX as a Strategic Investment

Visual effects have become a critical component of modern filmmaking, particularly in genres such as mythology and fantasy. Projects like “Ramayana” typically involve substantial financial commitments, with VFX budgets alone often reaching significant proportions of the overall expenditure in crores (Rs.).

This investment is not merely aesthetic; it directly influences audience engagement, box office performance, and international marketability. As a result, production houses are increasingly collaborating with global VFX studios to enhance quality and competitiveness.

Hrithik Roshan’s Industry Influence

As one of Bollywood’s leading actors, Hrithik Roshan’s support carries considerable weight. His endorsement of the project signals confidence in its creative and technical direction, potentially shaping public perception.

Star backing often plays a crucial role in stabilizing sentiment around high-profile films, particularly during phases of public scrutiny or controversy.

Economic Stakes and Market Dynamics

Large-scale mythological films represent high-risk, high-reward ventures within India’s entertainment economy. With budgets frequently exceeding several hundred crores (Rs.), the financial success of such projects depends on strong domestic and international performance.

Negative perceptions around technical quality can impact pre-release buzz, influencing advance bookings and investor confidence. Conversely, successful execution can unlock substantial returns across theatrical, digital, and satellite platforms.

Industry Evolution and Global Benchmarking

The ongoing debate around “Ramayana” highlights the Indian film industry’s transition toward global standards. As audiences gain exposure to international content via streaming platforms, the benchmark for quality continues to rise.

This evolution is driving innovation in production techniques, talent acquisition, and technological adoption, positioning Indian cinema for greater global integration.

Conclusion: A Test Case for Big-Budget Storytelling

The discourse surrounding “Ramayana” serves as a critical moment for India’s film industry. Hrithik Roshan’s defense reflects confidence in the project’s long-term potential, despite current criticism.

Ultimately, the film’s success will depend on its ability to deliver on both narrative and technical fronts. As high-budget productions become more prevalent, they will continue to shape the economic and creative trajectory of Indian cinema, balancing ambition with execution in an increasingly competitive global market.

 

 

 

 

 

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