# Ramayana trailer stirs debate over modernised costumes and VFX

2026-08-10T01:49:48+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

The trailer of Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, has drawn mixed reactions over its visual style, with some viewers calling the costumes and aesthetics 'too modernised'. Bengaluru fashion and film experts questioned whether creative liberty had compromised the epic's cultural essence. Stylist Kristen John defended the design as rich and cinematic, while fashion designer Ruchika Bhat said the look felt 'whitewashed' and aimed at a western audience. Actor Ranbir Kapoor, in an interview with Collider, hit back at what he called 'CG critics' who judge the CGI after watching the trailer on phones. Producer Namit Malhotra called the criticism 'noise' and urged viewers to see the film in IMAX 3D. The first part of the reported Rs 4,000-crore film is set for Diwali 2026 release.

## Coverage

- newindianexpress.com <https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2026/Aug/10/bengaluru-fashion-film-experts-on-ranbir-kapoor-starrer-ramayanas-modern-aesthetics>
- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/ranbir-kapoor-calls-out-cgi-critics-for-criticising-ramayana-vfx-after-watching-trailer-on-phone-namit-malhotra-101786520314491.html>

Tags: costume debate, film adaptation, mythology in cinema, Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana, Ranbir Kapoor
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