Yash has urged audiences to watch Ramayana with an open mind, including when evaluating its visual effects. However, the actor-producer’s appeal at a promotional event in Hyderabad has sparked criticism on social media, with viewers questioning why they should overlook shortcomings in a film they are paying to see.
Yash, who portrays Ravana in Nitesh Tiwari’s two-part epic, asked audiences not to focus excessively on minor VFX flaws, arguing that the project offers a rare opportunity to take Indian cinema to a global audience. His comments, however, drew a wave of reactions online.
At the event, Yash praised producer Namit Malhotra for risking his reputation and money to bring the ambitious project to life.
“Sometimes, when someone tries to do things like this. He has gambled his reputation and money to put this film on a global platform. Please don’t try to find small faults in the VFX. It will never happen again if we lose people like him (Namit) now. It will take more years. We will go back in time,” he said.
He added, “Let’s see the film with an open mind. He has always taken every piece of feedback and criticism and tried to do it better. I request you from my side. If you like the film, let’s come together and show the world.”
The appeal did not convince everyone. Several social media users argued that viewers should not be expected to lower their standards, particularly when paying to watch a big-budget spectacle on the big screen.
One user pointed out that Indian audiences already have access to world-class films and series on streaming platforms, adding that it was time for filmmakers to raise their standards.
Another used a butter chicken analogy to express the same sentiment, saying people should not be asked to ignore the absence of butter in a dish simply because they are supposed to approach it with an open mind.
Others questioned why someone paying Rs 500 for a movie ticket should not be allowed to criticise the film, asking whether tickets were being distributed for free.
Some viewers also argued that taking Indian cinema to a global audience was the responsibility of filmmakers rather than moviegoers. One user suggested that Yash’s appeal reflected a lack of confidence in the content being produced, while another said the team should concentrate on making the film instead of invoking patriotism to promote it.
Yash says India needs to ‘protect’ Namit Malhotra
Yash made the remarks while expressing strong support for Malhotra’s ambitions. The producer had previously revealed that the two films were being made with a combined budget of Rs 4,000 crore.
“Anybody can dream of making a movie, but only a few people will have that kind of passion, dedication, determination and madness. As an Indian, I am telling you, we need to protect this guy,” Yash said.
He added that Malhotra had been running a successful business in Los Angeles before deciding to take on the ambitious project.
Yash also recalled Malhotra’s desire to help Indian cinema achieve the global recognition he believed it deserved. According to Yash, the producer was not satisfied with winning Oscars while Indian cinema itself still had considerable progress to make.
Ramayana: Rise of a Legend is scheduled to arrive in theatres on November 5.
