Raaka Has Better Visuals Than Avatar, Cibi Says
Indiadailyupdate.com – “Raaka has better visuals than Avatar” is the bold claim made by director Cibi Chakaravarthi after seeing footage from Atlee’s upcoming film Raaka. Starring Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone, the project has drawn early attention for its scale and apparent visual ambition.
Cibi spoke about the film at the Chennai audio launch of Vijay Sethupathi’s upcoming Tamil film Baththa. He said Atlee had shown him visuals from the production and that the material left a strong impression on him.
“I have seen the visuals of his films; he showed them to me. Sir, I don’t think even Avatar has visuals like that. Everyone will see what I’m talking about in three days. The visuals were extraordinary.”
First glimpse raises expectations for Raaka
Cibi’s comment that Raaka has better visuals than one of Hollywood’s best-known visual-effects franchises is an expression of his confidence in the footage he watched. It is not yet a comparison audiences can fully judge, as the film’s complete visuals have not been released.
His reference to “three days” was linked to a promotional glimpse expected on September 21, which is Atlee’s birthday. The material shared so far has suggested that Raaka may be a creature-based film, increasing curiosity about its design, visual effects and world-building.
James Cameron’s Avatar films are widely recognised for performance capture, digital environments and immersive fictional worlds. Against that backdrop, the claim that Raaka has better visuals than Avatar has set a high bar for Atlee’s team ahead of the film’s first major reveal.
Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone lead the project
Raaka brings together Atlee, Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone in a major cross-industry collaboration. Kalanithi Maran’s Sun Pictures is producing the film, while Sai Abhyankkar is composing its music. He was chosen for the project ahead of Anirudh Ravichander and GV Prakash Kumar.
The film is expected to release in theatres in 2027. Atlee is known for large-scale commercial entertainers that combine emotional storytelling, prominent stars and elaborate staging. With Raaka, the attention is currently focused on whether its visual world can meet the expectations created by Cibi’s remarks.
If the film is indeed centred on a creature or fictional setting, its effects work will be crucial to the audience experience. The first glimpse could offer a clearer sense of the story’s tone and the scale of the visual universe Atlee is building.
Cibi calls Atlee a mentor
At the event, Cibi also described Atlee as a teacher and mentor. He compared Atlee’s potential contribution to Indian cinema’s global visibility with the impact SS Rajamouli has had internationally.
“Much like how Rajamouli sir is taking Indian cinema to the next level, I believe Atlee sir will take Indian cinema to the global map. I feel so proud to be your student.”
Lyricist Vivek also spoke about the scale associated with the project, saying films of this kind had previously been linked largely with Hollywood. These comments have added to the anticipation around Raaka and its attempt to deliver a large-screen spectacle.
Cibi reflects on the Rajinikanth project setback
Cibi used the occasion to discuss the disappointment surrounding his proposed film with Rajinikanth. He had initially been announced as the director of the superstar’s next project after Sundar C., but the project was later officially confirmed with Ashwath Marimuthu as director under the title Dharman.
Rajinikanth had previously revealed that Cibi narrated a story involving a nuclear scientist, with filming planned in Afghanistan and Russia. The actor chose not to proceed with the proposal because of its complexity.
Cibi said that Atlee contacted him during a difficult period and encouraged him to continue. The filmmaker described that support as meaningful while he dealt with the setback.
FAQ
What did Cibi Chakaravarthi say about Raaka?
Cibi said he had seen footage shown to him by Atlee and felt the visuals were extraordinary. His statement that Raaka has better visuals than Avatar reflected his reaction to the material he watched.
Who stars in Raaka?
Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone are the central pair in Atlee’s Raaka.
When is Raaka expected to release?
Raaka is expected to arrive in theatres in 2027.
Who is producing and composing music for Raaka?
Sun Pictures, headed by Kalanithi Maran, is producing the film. Sai Abhyankkar is composing the music.
