Vardaan Anime Review: Scam or India’s First True Dark Fantasy?
Vardaan Anime: Scam or a Step Forward for Indian Animation?
The Vardaan official teaser premiered on June 21, 2025, and has since reached 220,708 views on YouTube. Marketed as India’s first original dark fantasy anime, it stirred big ambitions—but also a wave of criticism. Here’s a fair look at the facts, feedback, and whether it deserves appreciation.
Trailer at a Glance
Trailer at a Glance- Video premiered on June 21, 2025
- Features a dark world of rage, revenge, and forbidden power
- Creative credits include Indian talents like Anubhav Singha, Shubham (RelatableToonz), Priyanshu Manral, and voice actor Rajesh Kava
The visuals show promise in mood and tone, though some scenes feel stiff—like a mix of promise and amateur execution.
What Works
What Works- Clear ambition: A dark, mature storyline aimed at older audiences
- Passionate team: The creators are proud Indian talents pushing boundaries
- Early achievement: The trailer shows polish beyond typical fan-made clips
What Critics Say
What Critics Say- AI Dependency
Many allege that Vardaan’s trailer used AI-generated animation and art. One vocal critic described it as
“completely AI generated…their own input was zero.” - Copied Animation
Another complaint is that the creators allegedly borrowed character designs and animation styles from existing anime, tweaking them slightly. A Reddit user noted the trend of “milking something that is popular” and recycling tropes. On Instagram, the project was labeled a scam, with users pointing to “very little original contribution” . - Technical glitches
Critics also highlight “stiff” animation—characters appear to glitch, hover, or awkwardly shift, far from fluid movement. One review mocked its lack of realism and amateur feel
Scam or Genuine Effort?
Scam or Genuine Effort?- There’s no evidence of fraud, missing funding, or hidden fees. The project appears authentic in intent—even if controversial in technique.
- AI can be a valid tool in animation, but transparency matters: many expected a human-crafted production, not AI-heavy shortcuts.
- Reddit discussion shows mixed views. While some see “fake anime makers” exploiting hype, others see a passion project driven by limitations.
Should You Appreciate It?
Should You Appreciate It?- Yes, if you value the spirit of indie innovation and want to support Indian creators trying something new.
- With caution, if you prefer original, handcrafted animation work. The criticisms around copying and AI deserve attention.
In short: Appreciate the ambition, but stay realistic about the execution.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Bold, mature theme and visual tone | Heavy use of AI, potentially limiting creativity |
| Indian creators building their craft | Copying from anime tropes and character designs |
| Teaser shows more polish than amateur projects | Animation glitches and stiff movement |
Final Verdict
Final VerdictVardaan is not a scam, but rather a controversial experiment in Indian indie anime. It’s a valuable milestone—but one that wears its limitations on its sleeve. If you believe in the future of Indian animated storytelling, feel free to cheer them on. But if you seek strong, original animation, this teaser may feel underwhelming.
Want more coverage?
- Watch the official teaser
- Join the conversation on Instagram @vardaananime (179K followers)
