Mumbai, April 5 (NationPress) Renowned Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan has shared his candid views regarding the dynamic realm of VFX.

This insight is particularly relevant amidst the ongoing discussions surrounding the visual effects of Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana, which have elicited varied responses on social media.

While some appreciate the film's scale and ambition, others have voiced concerns about the excessive use of CGI, claiming it detracts from emotional engagement.

In response to this discourse, Hrithik took to social media to subtly back the creators of Ramayana in an extensive and thoughtful message.

He reflected on the dedication involved in producing grand films, stating, “Today, some extraordinary individuals, like the creators of Kalki, Bahubali, and Ramayana (including my father for Koi Mil Gaya and Krrish of course) are my heroes. They possess the courage and vision to pursue uncharted territories—all for the love of cinema, allowing us, the audience, to witness something unprecedented.”

“From my perspective, they have risked significant finances and years of hard work so that another child, like I once was, can experience what I felt. To me, that’s commendable. The very intention deserves recognition! I take pride in my fellow Indians. I would give anything to contribute to such ambitions, even as a helper.”

In his message, Hrithik acknowledged that “subpar VFX does exist” and recognized that poor execution can detract from the cinematic experience.

The star also encouraged viewers to appreciate the broader context and the intent behind such ambitious projects.

He began his reflective note by recalling his childhood experience with cinema and visual effects:

“Indeed, poor VFX can be so bad it’s painful to watch, especially for me... particularly when it's in a film I am involved with.

As an 11-year-old, I watched Back to the Future during a trip to London, and it transformed my life. I became fascinated.

I would sit with my dad's VHS player, analyzing the frames in a pause-play cycle until I broke the player.

“I ordered a book titled 'Industrial Light and Magic: The Art of Special Effects' from Reader’s Digest with my pocket money... and eagerly awaited months for it to arrive at the Juhu post office. It was the happiest day of my life. I can still recall the book's scent as I unwrapped it. Many more followed.”

He elaborated on the various VFX styles and how audiences often mistake stylistic choices for flaws:

“From my limited understanding, there are diverse VFX styles that filmmakers use to bring their vision to life. Similar to comics or animation—some prefer the ANIME style, which is not as realistic as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. You may favor one style over another, but neither is incorrect.

He continued, “Likewise, VFX films can be photorealistic (invisible VFX) where the effects should go unnoticed, as seen in large-scale action films like James Bond, Die Hard, and War 1. Alternatively, filmmakers can choose storytelling-stylized VFX that leans more into the magical realm with enhanced colors, non-realistic lighting, and visuals that resemble beautiful paintings, akin to films like 300 and Lord of the Rings.

The actor further stated, “Then there are styles like Hyperreal/Enhanced Reality—think superhero films and high-concept movies like Inception. I also enjoy Surreal/Experimental VFX, which intentionally defy reality and logic, showcasing abstract forms and impossible geometries.”

Hrithik concluded, “Bad VFX occurs when a film promises 'photorealism' but fails to deliver fully. A small lapse in physics or gravity can shatter the illusion. Alternatively, if a storybook style fails to be aesthetically pleasing or artistic, it fails to engage. It’s unjust to claim that a storybook style lacks photorealism when that was never the intention.”

He emphasized, “You cannot fault the creator simply because they opted for one style over another that you prefer. Sometimes, when you criticize 'bad VFX,' it may just be a style you didn’t anticipate?”

He wrapped up with, “Next time, don’t just ask, 'Is it real?' Instead, inquire, 'Is it appropriate for the story?' 'Is it evoking the feelings intended by the creator?' Engage in debate, but with awareness. Yes? Please!”

Regarding Ramayana, the first glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor as Ram was revealed on April 5, coinciding with Hanuman Jayanti.

Since the release of the brief video clip by the creators, it has garnered mixed reactions, with many viewers criticizing the excessive use of VFX and CGI, claiming it has detracted from the emotional depth of the mythological narrative.