National Award-winning VFX expert Arun Kumar says criticism around Ramayana, Jailer 2 visuals based on growing confusion on CGI vs AI | HT Exclusive

National Award-winning VFX expert Arun Kumar says the growing confusion between computer-generated imagery and artificial intelligence is influencing criticism of visuals in Ramayana and Jailer 2.

His comments also place the current debate within a much broader shift in how audiences consume and judge films. Kumar recalls that, early in his career, India had only one television channel. Films were primarily experienced in cinemas or through private screenings, while criticism came from a relatively small group with access to newspapers, magazines and other platforms.

How access changed film criticism

That limited environment gradually expanded. Television channels were followed by VHS tapes, VCDs and DVDs, giving audiences more ways to watch films outside theatres. By the 2000s, online piracy had made film content accessible to an unprecedented number of people.

Kumar says this expansion changed the relationship between audiences and criticism. In his view, increased access meant that “everyone was a critic,” rather than film opinion being shaped by a small number of established commentators.

Why the distinction matters

The comments are relevant to ongoing discussion around large-scale film visuals, where audiences may assess digital effects without distinguishing between CGI and AI-based work. That uncertainty can shape reactions to visual material, including the criticism surrounding Ramayana and Jailer 2.

Kumar’s account traces the debate from a media environment controlled by a few outlets to one in which audiences can rapidly form and share opinions. It also highlights how new questions about visual technology are emerging alongside that wider participation.