Highlights:
- Viral Ramayana clip sparked AI-generated rumors.
- Fans questioned whether the footage was authentic.
- A creator claimed the teaser was intentionally “nerfed.”
- He later revised his original comments about the VFX.
- Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release.
An alleged battle scene from Ranbir Kapoor's upcoming epic Ramayana: Part 1 has gone viral across social media, with many users claiming it was leaked from the film's upcoming trailer. However, a large section of fans believes the footage is AI-generated. At the same time, comments from a content creator who recently visited the movie's set have fueled fresh speculation about the film's visual effects and marketing strategy.
The 11-second clip quickly spread across X and other social media platforms after several fan accounts claimed it featured Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama in a battle sequence. Some posts even suggested the footage came from a trailer reportedly shown during a CinemaCon presentation.
Despite the excitement, many viewers questioned the authenticity of the video. Several users argued that if the footage were genuine, it would likely have been removed from social media almost immediately. Others said the visuals appeared to be created using artificial intelligence rather than coming from the actual film.
The debate intensified after content creator Dhruv Parikshit shared his experience of visiting the sets of Ramayana: Part 1 during a special creators' event hosted by the filmmakers. The event gave selected creators an opportunity to meet director Nitesh Tiwari, producer Namit Malhotra, and cast members including Ranbir Kapoor and Yash.
After posting photos and videos from the visit, Parikshit responded to questions from followers about the movie's visual effects. He claimed that while some footage shown during the visit was unfinished, the completed version looked far more impressive.
"Yes, it was incomplete. But the vision they have, I genuinely can’t put it into words. The scenes I witnessed there were on the level of Avatar. I’m not exaggerating, they’re truly cooking something wonderful. The character designs and the world of Ramayana feel incredibly immersive."
He then made an even bigger claim, saying he had spoken with one of the film's VFX artists.
"I also got a chance to talk to one of their VFX artists. He told me that the creators deliberately uploaded a nerfed version of the Rama glimpse. They had better versions of those scenes, yet they intentionally chose to release the incomplete one. Why? Because discussions and criticism across the internet translate into free marketing."
The comments quickly spread online, with many fans debating whether the filmmakers had intentionally released unfinished visual effects to generate discussion around the movie.
However, Parikshit later deleted that comment and posted a clarification. In the updated response, he no longer repeated the claim about an intentionally weakened teaser. Instead, he said work on the film's visual effects had progressed significantly since the footage he had seen.
"VFX pe kaam chal raha hai, and kaafi accha kaam ho bhi Gaya hai. Humko kuch incomplete footages bhi dikhaye the and I believe vo already complete ho chuke hain mahino pahle hi. And bhai, character designs!! They’re gorgeous! They’re absolutely wonderful. It is more like a very beautiful fantasy world, but in an Indian setting. It is going to be a great theatrical experience."
His revised statement shifted the focus from marketing strategy to the film's ongoing post-production work. As a result, there is no official confirmation that the filmmakers deliberately released an unfinished teaser.
The first teaser for Ramayana: Part 1 received mixed reactions after its release. While many praised the movie's scale, music, and ambition, others criticized portions of its CGI and visual effects. The filmmakers have not publicly responded to claims that the teaser was intentionally altered.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana: Part 1 stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, and several other actors in key roles.
The film is planned as a two-part epic. Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled to release during the Diwali 2026 holiday season, with the second installment expected in Diwali 2027. Reports estimate the combined production budget at around $470 million, making it one of the most expensive films ever produced in India.
