Ramayana actor Chetan Hansraj backs Ranbir's casting, VFX: Critics are in dreamland
Actor Chetan Hansraj has defended Ramayana after its trailer drew criticism over casting and VFX. He backed actor Ranbir Kapoor's casting and said viewers would understand the film's scale on the big screen.
Actor Chetan Hansraj has defended Ramayana after the film's trailer, released on Thursday, sparked discussion over its casting and VFX. While a section of social media criticised both aspects, Hansraj, who plays the demon Mali in the Nitesh Tiwari-directed film, backed the makers and cast.
In an interview with Variety India, Hansraj also praised the atmosphere on the set and said the trailer did not reflect the full scale of the film. He dismissed online criticism of the visual effects, calling some detractors "keyboard VFX superstars" and saying they were "in dreamland".
Hansraj said everyone on the sets of Ramayana was soft-spoken and praised Yash for being gentle with the cast and crew. He added that despite having worked in the industry for 47 years, the 20 days he spent shooting for Ramayana were the best 20 days of his entire career.
His remarks came amid criticism from several social media users over Ranbir Kapoor's casting as Lord Rama, with some calling the actor a misfit for the role.
Responding to the debate, Hansraj said, "I think the casting is fabulous. Ranbir as Ram is fabulous. I really like the manner in which he has carried off his look. Sai Pallavi is also very nice. Everyone has their opinion, but Namit Malhotra, Nitesh Tiwari and the team have done a lot of research for the looks and characters, and finalised the cast after a lot of deliberation."
Hansraj also addressed the criticism around the film's VFX, which has been discussed extensively online since the trailer's release. He described the critics as "keyboard VFX superstars" and added, "They are in dreamland. When you see Ramayana on the big screen, you will understand the scale. It is unfathomable. All these critics don't understand the scale."
The trailer opens with Yash as Ravana conquering Lanka before introducing Ranbir’s Prince Ram fighting demons alongside Ravi Dubey’s Lakshman. Sent into a 14-year vanvaas (exile) over a promise to Lara Dutta’s Kaikeyi, Ram is accompanied by Sai Pallavi’s Sita. The footage teases intense Ram-Ravana action sequences and VFX, though Lord Hanuman remains absent.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, the two-part Ramayana also features actors Sunny Deol, Ravi Dubey, Arun Govil, Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh, and Vivek Oberoi. Part one arrives Diwali 2026.