Hrithik Roshan Reacts To Ramayana's VFX Backlash: "It's Painful To Watch" Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana, a two-part mythological epic, has sparked intense debate in Indian cinema circles, with its visual effects drawing sharp criticism from audiences and critics alike. The film, which stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana, is set to premiere on Diwali 2026, with a sequel planned for Diwali 2027. Despite its massive budget and ambitious scope, the project has faced early scrutiny, particularly over its use of visual effects (VFX), which have been described as subpar in some teasers. The backlash has prompted Hrithik Roshan, a prominent Bollywood actor and co-producer of the film, to publicly defend the project and its creators. In a detailed Instagram post, Roshan addressed the criticism, emphasizing the importance of contextualizing VFX within the film's artistic vision. "Yes, bad VFX exists," he wrote. "It's sometimes so bad it's painful to watch—especially for me, and especially when it's a film I'm part of." The actor reflected on his own childhood fascination with VFX, recalling how watching Back to the Future during a trip to London as an 11-year-old left a lasting impression on him. "It changed me forever. I became obsessed," he shared, using the anecdote to underscore the subjective nature of visual storytelling. Roshan also highlighted the diversity of VFX approaches, arguing that not all visual effects aim to replicate reality. "It's not all about creating something real," he explained. "Criticism should take into account the film's style and what it's trying to achieve." He urged viewers to approach the film with an open mind, urging them to consider whether the VFX align with the narrative and emotional intent rather than focusing solely on technical realism.#sai_pallavi #nitesh_tiwari #hrithik_roshan #ranbir_kapoor #ramayana
Ramayana Teaser: Ranbir Kapoor Debuts as Lord Rama in Epic First Glimpse The highly anticipated teaser for the epic film Ramayana, titled Rama, premiered online with immense fanfare, marking a significant moment for the project. Directed by Namit Malhotra, the trailer was released on the film’s official social media handle, accompanied by a caption that emphasized Lord Rama’s enduring legacy as a symbol of selflessness, duty, and compassion. The clip, which debuted ahead of Hanuman Jayanti, was hailed as a visual spectacle, blending action, adventure, and mythological grandeur to captivate audiences. The teaser features Ranbir Kapoor in the titular role of Lord Rama, marking his first major portrayal of a mythological figure. The trailer offers glimpses of Rama’s journey as both a warrior and a king, showcasing his royal attire, golden jewelry, and moments from his life, including his exile and battles against demons and giants. Yash is cast as Ravana, while Sai Pallavi plays Sita, Sunny Deol portrays Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey appears as Lakshman. The film’s cast also includes Alia Bhatt, who expressed her excitement for the project, calling the teaser “absolutely fabulous” and praising Ranbir’s performance as “beautiful” and “out of this world.” The release of the teaser was accompanied by a global rollout, with previews in Los Angeles and New York, where early reactions praised its scale and ambition. Ranbir Kapoor himself described Lord Rama as “the conscience keeper of billions of people around the globe for centuries,” highlighting the character’s embodiment of compassion, courage, righteousness, and forgiveness. The film’s narrative promises to explore themes of conflict resolution, peace, and the timeless relevance of Rama’s teachings.#yash #sai_pallavi #ranbir_kapoor #ramayana #namit_malhotra
Sargun Mehta Reveals Ravi Dubey Secretly Signed 'Ramayana' Without Her Knowledge Actress Sargun Mehta has shared an intriguing insight into her husband, Ravi Dubey’s, professional life, revealing that he kept his casting as Lakshman in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic film Ramayana entirely private from her. According to Mehta, Dubey adhered to a strict household rule of not discussing individual acting projects until they were officially announced to the public. This rule, she explained, was a mutual agreement between the couple to maintain personal boundaries and avoid unnecessary speculation about their careers. The revelation came as Mehta recounted how Dubey often left for the high-profile shoot of Ramayana with only a vague explanation, such as “going to work,” without disclosing the nature of his involvement. This secrecy, she noted, was not a result of any conflict but rather a conscious choice to protect their privacy. Mehta emphasized that while she was proud of Dubey’s professional achievements, she respected his decision to keep certain aspects of his career private. The Ramayana project, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is a highly anticipated adaptation of the ancient Indian epic, known for its grand scale and cultural significance. Dubey’s casting as Lakshman, the devoted brother of Lord Rama, has sparked considerable interest among fans and critics alike. However, the couple’s approach to handling such high-profile roles has drawn attention to the balance between personal privacy and public scrutiny in the entertainment industry. Mehta’s comments highlight the growing trend of celebrities maintaining a level of discretion in their personal and professional lives, even amid intense media attention.#bollywood #nitesh_tiwari #ramayana #sargun_mehta #ravi_dubey
Ramayana’s Lakshman Ravie Dubey Kept Shoot Secret From Wife Sargun Mehta The teaser for Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming film Ramayana was released on April 2, 2026, marking the project’s first official promotional look. The trailer, titled Rama, premiered at special screenings in Los Angeles and New York, generating significant buzz among fans. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. Lakshman, played by debutant Ravie Dubey, is set to make his Bollywood debut in the ensemble cast. However, Dubey’s wife, Sargun Mehta, was unaware of his role in the film until the teaser’s release, as he had kept the project a secret from her. Sargun revealed during an interview on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast that Dubey never discussed the film with her, even as rumors about the project circulated online. “We don’t really talk about work at home,” she explained. “Just like he doesn’t know what I’m doing until my projects are announced, I also don’t find out about his work until it becomes public.” This dynamic meant Sargun had no prior knowledge of Dubey’s involvement in Ramayana, despite the film’s growing anticipation. The revelation came unexpectedly. Sargun said she learned about Dubey’s casting through a third party, who casually mentioned his role. “Someone randomly told me, ‘Congratulations, Ravie is…’ and I said, ‘Sssh. I don’t know what you’re talking about — we’re not allowed to tell each other, so don’t tell me,’” she recalled. She later confirmed the news by reading about it online, but admitted she hesitated to ask Dubey directly. “He didn’t even tell me, so I can’t even ask!” she said, highlighting the couple’s unspoken rule of not discussing work. During the film’s production, Dubey maintained a vague approach to his commitments.#nitesh_tiwari #ranbir_kapoor #ramayana #ravie_dubey #sargun_mehta
Ram Navami in Punarvasu Nakshatra, It Destroys All the Defects: Pt. Sharma The birth of Lord Rama, celebrated as Ram Navami, holds profound significance in Sanatan Hindu dharma. According to ancient texts, Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, was born in Ayodhya to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya during the Treta Yuga. This festival marks the divine manifestation of righteousness and is believed to bring spiritual and material prosperity to devotees. The timing of Ram Navami coincides with natural beauty and seasonal changes, symbolizing renewal and harmony. Devotees are encouraged to worship Lord Rama daily, seeking his blessings for peace, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles. Pandit Sunil Sharma explained that the Punarvasu Nakshatra, associated with this festival, is considered auspicious for spiritual growth and the purification of karma. He emphasized that the festival's essence lies in its ability to cleanse the soul and restore balance. Rituals during Ram Navami include offering tulsi leaves, kumkum, and sweets like kheer, while reciting hymns from the Ramayana. Charity and self-discipline are also highlighted as integral practices. Sharma noted that the festival's deeper meaning lies in its capacity to dissolve negative energies and foster inner peace. The celebration also serves as a reminder of Lord Rama's teachings, particularly his commitment to dharma and non-violence. His exile in the forest, marked by unwavering devotion to his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, is seen as an example of self-sacrifice and spiritual endurance. Devotees are encouraged to reflect on these values, using the occasion to renew their own moral and ethical resolve. The festival's significance extends beyond religious observance, offering a moment for communal unity and cultural preservation.#ayodhya #ramayana #pt_sharma #lord_rama #treta_yuga
Imax Expands Asia-Pacific Strategy After Record Box Office in 2025 Imax has embarked on a strategic shift in the Asia-Pacific region, marked by a record-breaking performance in 2025 that underscores its growing diversification beyond its traditional reliance on China. The company reported $1.28 billion in global box office revenue for the year, a 40% increase compared to 2024. The Asia-Pacific region alone contributed nearly half of this total, with a year-on-year surge of almost 80%. China, which had long been Imax’s primary market in Asia, accounted for $407 million in revenue—its highest-ever contribution, surpassing the previous record set in 2019 by 5%. Asia excluding China added $230 million, also a record for that region. This spread of success across diverse markets such as Japan, India, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam signals a fundamental shift in Imax’s growth strategy. Giovanni Dolci, Imax’s chief commercial officer, emphasized that the era of a single market driving the company’s expansion is over. Speaking to Variety, Dolci noted that in 2025, Imax’s new theater agreements were evenly distributed across Asia-Pacific, continental Europe, and other regions. Record signings in Japan and Australia, new deals in Germany and France, and a balanced contribution from multiple markets highlighted a more resilient and diversified growth model. “Five years ago, if you asked me where Imax’s growth was coming from, the answer was China. Ten years ago, it was North America,” Dolci said. Now, no single market dominates, and this balance is a deliberate business strategy. China remains Imax’s largest market, with 797 locations—nearly 44% of the company’s 1,796 total theaters.#pvr_inox #imax #giovanni_dolci #wanda #ramayana
