How to Make Varanasi Hanuman VFX in After Effects (Fire, Sky, Lightning)

Rajamouli dropped the most insane VFX shot of 2026, Giant Hanuman with lord Ram's army VS Kumbhkaran from LANKA. So I recreated it in After Effects... for FREE. No Element 3D plugin pack, no expensive stock - just AE, free 3D models, and a lot of patience. 🔥 This is one of the hardest composites I've attempted - matching scale between a giant character and a massive army base, lighting them to match the trailer's tone, and making it feel like one shot instead of 10 layers stacked on top of each other. Here's exactly how I built it 👇 ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – VARANASI trailer scene breakdown 00:17 – Getting the 3D assets 01:23 – Scene setup 03:17 – Camera Animation 04:34 – Fire Particles 05:38 – Adding Sky 06:57 – Clouds & Thunder Lightning 08:19 – Lighting to match the trailer 09:56 – Adding Sun & Fire 12:20 – Final Result 🎬 What you'll learn: How to composite a giant character convincingly at scale Free ways to get 3D models (no paid Element 3D packs needed) Matching lighting/color grade to a reference shot Making a "cheap" scene look expensive in After Effects, Fire Particles, Adding 360 degree Sky, Adding Clouds & Thunder Lightning, Adding lighting to match the scene, Adding Sun & Fire to scene Get the project files / template: https://payhip.com/b/NoGUM https://payhip.com/VFXNirvana Follow for more VFX breakdowns: Instagram: https://instagram.com/vfxnirvana Resources and Links: Images for 3D Assets: https://mega.nz/folder/EMMADSjK#qev0x1OI3xNI8eL_9eYC8w 3D Assets Resources and Links: Tripo 3D AI: https://studio.tripo3d.ai?invite_code=JXQ132 Meshy AI: https://www.meshy.ai/?utm_source=meshy&utm_medium=referral-program&utm_content=1GZBZV&share_type=invite-friends Affiliate Link to Support Channel: Tripo : studio.tripo3d.ai?via=VN Meshy : www.meshy.ai?via=VFXNIRVANA SketchFab 3D Landscape: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/mossygrassy-landscape-8f9a3ceee63747eea04c4b6ad2e5f5e2 HDR 360 Image: https://hdrmaps.com/freebies/twilight-glow-at-vera-beach/ 🛠️ Tools used: After Effects, VC Optical Flares, Crates easy godray, Tripo AI / Mehy AI free 3D assets If you're new here - I recreate VFX shots from Indian & Hollywood films using free or low-cost tools, so anyone can learn real production techniques without needing a big budget. Subscribe if that's your kind of thing. #Varanasi #Rajamouli #AfterEffects #VFXBreakdown #Hanuman #VFXTutorial #MaheshBabu Keywords: I Recreated VARANASI's Giant Hanuman Scene in After Effects Music Credits: Cosmic Storm by A Himitsu / a-himitsu Music by A Himitsu ( / @ahimitsu ) Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/a-him... Music promoted by Audio Library https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4wXUdhNxZk Song: Warriyo - Mortals (feat. Laura Brehm) [NCS Release] Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/mortals Watch: http://youtu.be/yJg-Y5byMMw #AfterEffects #NoPlugin #AEtutorial #AfterEffectsTutorial #MotionGraphics #vfxnirvana