A leaked image of Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Lord Rama in the upcoming mythological epic Ramayana: Part 1 has triggered a fresh wave of criticism online, with many netizens questioning the execution and design of the character’s on-screen look.
The highly anticipated film directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced on a reported $400-million budget is an ambitious adaptation of the ancient Indian epic. It stars Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. The film is slated for a worldwide release around the Diwali 2026 season and features an original score by A. R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer.
Leaks, Criticism and Comparisons
On Monday, a series of set photos showing Kapoor in full costume circulated online, prompting widespread reactions. The pictures apparently taken as the actor moved between shooting locations show him in traditional attire with a kesariya dhoti, janeu, and a black cloak, accompanied by what observers identified as a wig styled to resemble long hair.
Social media users were swift in their critique. Many described the hairpiece as “shoddy” and mismatched with the grandeur expected from a project of this scale. One commenter quipped, “All that $400 million budget and they couldn’t arrange a decent-looking wig?” Others lamented that the production appeared not to have learned from the backlash faced by Adipurush, another Ramayana adaptation that drew criticism for its presentation and design despite assurances of world-class visuals.
Other detractors on platforms like Reddit echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the hair and overall aesthetic lacked authenticity and sophistication. Some fans said it looked more like a cosplay costume than a faithful representation of the revered deity. Meanwhile, others pointed out that official teasers or trailers might include visual effects or enhancements that could significantly refine the look.
Industry and Fan Reactions
Not all responses were negative. A section of fans advocated patience, noting that leaks often do not represent the final cinematic presentation. “I’ll wait for the proper trailer before passing judgment,” wrote one user, a common sentiment among observers who believe that VFX and post-production work could reshape impressions drastically.
The filmmakers have yet to respond publicly to the specific leak. The production team has previously stressed that maintaining secrecy around details and visuals is crucial, but these leaks have upended those efforts. With Ramayana: Part 1 still several months away from release, attention on the portrayals and creative choices will continue to intensify in the coming weeks.
By – Sonali