Nitesh Tiwari Addresses AI Dubbing Controversy Ahead of Ramayana’s World Premiere

The much‑anticipated world premiere of “Ramayana: Rise of a Legend” lit up the David Geffen Theatre early this morning, drawing a crowd of filmmakers, stars, and media from across the globe. While the audience was treated to a glimpse of the mythic saga reimagined with cutting‑edge visual effects, a parallel conversation about the film’s AI‑generated dubbing was already echoing through social media.

The controversy erupted after rumors suggested that the Telugu version of the movie had been partially voiced by artificial intelligence, sparking concerns among actors and dubbing artists about job security and artistic integrity. Critics argued that relying on AI could dilute the emotional resonance that seasoned voice actors bring to iconic characters.

Director Nitesh Tiwari, who helmed the project, took to a live press briefing to set the record straight. He explained that the AI tools were employed only for preliminary sync work and that every final line was delivered by professional voice talent. Tiwari emphasized that the technology served as a time‑saving aid, not a replacement, and that the film’s soul remains rooted in human performance.

He also highlighted the collaborative spirit that defined the production, noting that seasoned dubbing artists were consulted from the script‑writing stage to ensure cultural nuance and authenticity. “Our goal was to blend technology with tradition, not to sideline the artisans who give life to these characters,” Tiwari said.

The clarification was well‑received by the industry’s guilds, who praised the transparency and reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding creative jobs. As the curtains fell on the premiere, the buzz shifted from controversy to celebration, with audiences eager to experience the epic on the big screen and beyond.