As the nation buzzes with Ranbir Kapoor’s first look as Lord Ram, a fresh ‘virtual’ war has ignited on social media. Within 24 hours of the teaser release of Nitesh Tiwari’s epic ‘Ramayana,’ AI-generated images of Ranveer Singh as Lord Ram have gone viral, sparking an intense debate among cinephiles.

Released on the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, the first glimpse of the ₹4000 crore magnum opus showcased Ranbir Kapoor in a serene avatar. However, the AI versions featuring Ranveer Singh as a fierce archer have captured the internet’s imagination. Netizens argue that Singh’s “intensity and versatility” might have been more suited for the legendary warrior-prince. Some fans even suggested he would have been an invincible choice for ‘Ravana’ or ‘Indrajit.’

While Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’ boasts a stellar cast including Yash (Ravana), Sai Pallavi (Sita), and Sunny Deol (Hanuman), the unexpected comparison has added a layer of controversy. As Ranbir Kapoor gears up for the Diwali 2026 release, he faces the unique challenge of winning over a digital audience currently enchanted by a ‘virtual’ rival. For now, the ‘Ranbir vs Ranveer’ duel continues to trend across platforms.