Mumbai, April 5 – Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan has shared his perspective on the evolving world of visual effects (VFX).
This comes at a time when discussions about the VFX in Ranbir Kapoor’s "Ramayana" have sparked mixed reactions online.
While some viewers have praised the scale and ambition, others have criticized the perceived overuse of CGI, calling it emotionally disconnected.
Addressing this debate, Hrithik took to social media to defend the makers of "Ramayana," in a thoughtful note.
Reflecting on the effort behind large-scale films, he wrote, “Today, some talented individuals, like those behind films like 'Kalki', 'Baahubali', and 'Ramayana' (including my own father in 'Koi Mil Gaya' and 'Krrish'), are true heroes. They have the courage and vision to achieve what was never before possible, all for the love of cinema, so that audiences can experience something truly unique.”
“From my point of view, they invested all that money and years of effort, just so another 11-year-old could feel what I felt. I believe that’s a noble endeavor! I am proud of my fellow Indians. I wish I could have been a part of such projects.”
In the same post, Hrithik also addressed the issue of “bad VFX” and acknowledged that poor execution can detract from the viewing experience.
He further urged audiences to consider the larger picture and understand the intent and effort behind such projects.
He began by recalling his own childhood experience with cinema and VFX:
“Yes, bad VFX exists. Sometimes, it's so bad it's painful to watch, especially for me. Especially when it's a film I'm a part of.”
As a 11-year-old, I saw "Back to the Future" on a trip to London, and it changed my life forever. I became obsessed.
I would spend hours studying the frames on my father’s VHS player, pausing and replaying until I wore out the player.
“I ordered a book, "Industrial Light and Magic: The Art of Special Effects," from Reader's Digest with my pocket money, and waited months for it to arrive at the Juhu post office. That was the happiest day of my life. I can still smell the book as I opened it. Many others followed.”
He further elaborated on the different styles of VFX and how audiences often confuse stylistic choices with flaws:
“In my understanding, there are different VFX styles adopted by filmmakers to bring their vision to life. It's like in comics or animation – some prefer an anime style, but it's not as realistic as "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse." You can like one style over the other, but neither is wrong.”
He added, “Similarly, VFX movies can be photorealistic (invisible) VFX, where the VFX should not be noticeable at all. Like in big-scale action films like "James Bond," "Die Hard," or "War 1," OR the filmmakers can adopt storytelling-stylized VFX, which is more magical, with sometimes enhanced colors, non-realistic lighting, and visuals that purposefully resemble beautiful paintings. Like in movies like "300" or "The Lord of the Rings.”
The actor further wrote, "…Then there are others like Hyperreal/Enhanced Reality – think of superhero films and high-concept films like "Inception." Fantastical Realism (Hybrid) I also enjoy Surreal/Experimental VFX, where they intentionally break all reality and logic. It has abstract forms and impossible geometry.”
The "Koi Mil Gaya" actor further stated, "Bad VFX is when a movie promises photorealism but fails to achieve it fully. Even a small lapse in physics or gravity can destroy the entire illusion. Or the promise is of a storybook style, but it fails to make it beautiful, artistic, or divine, and thus fails to engage. But to say that the storybook style is not photorealistic is unfair. It's not meant to be.”
He added, “And you can’t criticize the makers just because they chose one style while you prefer another. That's unfair. So, sometimes when you say “bad VFX,” it might just be a style you didn’t expect?”
The actor concluded, “So, next time, don’t just ask, “Is it real?” First, ask, “Is it right for the story?” “Is it making me feel what the maker intended?” Debate it, but debate it with awareness. Yes? Please!”
Talking about "Ramayana," the first glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor as Ram was unveiled on April 5th, coinciding with Hanuman Jayanti.
Since the short video clip was released by the makers, it has received mixed reactions, with viewers criticizing the overuse of VFX and CGI, and claiming that it has diminished the emotional essence of the mythological story.