‘Ramayana: Rise of a Legend’ cinematographer Pankaj Kumar has revealed that 60 per cent of the sequel of the Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi starrer has already been shot. In a recent conversation, he also explained why the makers chose a fantastical look for the film’s forests instead of recreating realistic natural surroundings.
‘Ramayana: Part 2’ shooting 60 per cent complete
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, Pankaj Kumar revealed that a significant portion of the sequel has already been filmed. He added that the second instalment will be grander than the first, with several computer-generated characters requiring detailed visual effects work.“We have already shot about 60 per cent of Part 2. A lot of VFX work, a lot of motion capture work is left because the second part is going to be more grand than the first part. It has a lot more CG characters, like Hanuman and the whole vanar sena. A lot more details need to be worked on,” he said.The sequel will feature ‘Hanuman’ and the vanar sena prominently, making the remaining VFX and motion-capture work an important part of its production.
Pankaj Kumar explains Ramayana’s fantastical visual world
There has been a polarizing take of the film’s visual effects on the internet. Netizens have discussed the appearance of its forests, trees and natural surroundings that look more fantastical than realistic.Explaining the creative decision, Pankaj Kumar said the intention was to build an enhanced world that complements the epic’s larger-than-life storytelling.“See, if we shot Ramayana in a real jungle, the world would look very real, but maybe that’s not what we’re looking for. We want our world to look more enhanced, better than the real forest. For the forests that Ram and Lakshman are walking in to fight demons, realistic trees in the jungle may not give us that larger-than-life experience, with giant monsters attacking and our characters swinging from one tree to the other. Where is realism in that? There is no realism in that. You are giving a fantasy world to the audience. So why be a stickler for realistic-looking leaves or branches? It’s just a different medium of expressing yourself,” he said.
Cast of ‘Ramayana: Rise of a Legend’
‘Ramayana: Rise of a Legend’ was released in theatres on November 5, featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Ravi Dubey plays Lakshman, while Sunny Deol portrays Lord Hanuman.The supporting cast includes Arun Govil as King Dasharatha, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Indira Krishnan as Kaushalya, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari and Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha. Vivek Oberoi plays Vidyutjihva, Faisal Malik essays Kumbhkarna, Harish Uthaman portrays Vibhishana and Kunal Kapoor appears as Lord Indra. Anupam Kher lends his voice to Jatayu.Earlier the second part, ‘Ramayan: Part 2’ was set to release during Diwali 2027. However it is set for a Diwali 2028 release.