Ramayana actor Chetan Hansraj hits back at critics: ‘Keyboard VFX superstars’ are in ‘dreamland’

New Delhi: The debate surrounding Ramayana’s trailer continues to dominate social media, with reactions split over its visual effects and casting choices. Amid the criticism, actor Chetan Hansraj, who portrays the demon Mali in Nitesh Tiwari’s mythological epic, has come out strongly in support of the film, saying many online critics are judging it without understanding its true scale.

Speaking to Variety India, Chetan dismissed the criticism aimed at the film’s VFX, arguing that audiences would get a completely different experience on the big screen.

Calling some of the detractors “keyboard VFX superstars”, the actor said they were “in dreamland” while assessing the visuals. He added that the scale of Ramayana could not be appreciated through short clips or social media discussions and believed viewers would understand its ambition once the film releases in cinemas.

Apart from defending the visual effects, Chetan also rejected claims that Ranbir Kapoor was the wrong choice to play Lord Ram.

“I think the casting is fabulous. Ranbir as Ram is fabulous,” he said, adding that Sai Pallavi also suited her role. According to the actor, producer Namit Malhotra, director Nitesh Tiwari and the creative team spent considerable time researching the characters before finalising the cast.

Reflecting on his own experience, Chetan revealed that the 20 days he spent shooting for Ramayana were among the most memorable of his career. Despite spending nearly five decades in the entertainment industry, he said working on the film stood out because of the atmosphere on set.

The actor also praised Yash, saying the Kannada star remained humble and respectful towards everyone during filming.

The recently released trailer introduces Yash as Ravana before unveiling Ranbir Kapoor as Prince Ram, who embarks on his 14-year exile with Sita, played by Sai Pallavi, and Lakshman, portrayed by Ravi Dubey. The preview highlights the conflict between Ram and Ravana through large-scale action and visual effects, while Lord Hanuman has been deliberately kept out of the footage.

Backed by Namit Malhotra and directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana also features Sunny Deol, Arun Govil, Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh and Vivek Oberoi. The first instalment of the two-part epic is scheduled to release during Diwali 2026.