Ranbir Kapoor Discusses His Role as Rama in Upcoming Ramayana Film

Evolution of Rama's Portrayal in Cinema

Over the years, the depiction of Shri Rama in films has evolved significantly. From Arun Govil's iconic portrayal in Ramanand Sagar's television series to Prabhas's recent role in Adipurush, various actors have interpreted the character based on the vision of their directors. Now, Ranbir Kapoor is set to take on the legendary role in Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming film, Ramayana. On July 24, Kapoor, along with Yash, Nitesh, and producer Namit Malhotra, participated in the San Diego Comic-Con 2026, where they delved into the world of Ramayana and discussed its pivotal characters. Ranbir shared his thoughts on the ideal casting for the role of Rama.

Ranbir Kapoor Addresses Casting Criticism

Ranbir Kapoor breaks silence on criticism over his casting in Ramayana

In light of the discussions surrounding his casting as Rama, Kapoor emphasized that there is no singular representation of Maryada Purushottam on screen. He remarked, “Every actor brings their own interpretation of Lord Ram.” Acknowledging the mixed reactions, he stated, “Some may believe I am the wrong choice, while others might think I fit the role perfectly. The truth is, the right actor for Rama is anyone who approaches the character with genuine intentions and faith in the journey of Lord Rama.”

Producer Namit Malhotra Supports Ranbir's Casting

Namit Malhotra defends Ranbir Kapoor's casting in Ramayana

Prior to Ranbir's comments, producer Namit Malhotra addressed concerns regarding the casting of Rama in an interview. He acknowledged that audiences might have apprehensions but defended the diverse perspectives and vision of the film's creators. He stated, “People are approaching this with genuine expectations. As filmmakers, we are committed to ensuring that the actors portraying these divine characters do so with sincerity and skill.”

Ranbir Kapoor's Journey to Portray Rama

Ranbir Kapoor on playing Rama in Ramayana

During the Comic-Con event, Ranbir opened up to IGN about his initial fears and self-doubt before accepting the role. He credited his daughter, Raha Kapoor, for providing him with a fresh perspective on Ramayana and its spiritual significance. He expressed excitement about watching the film with his 3-year-old daughter in theaters. The first part of Ramayana is set to release on November 8, just two days after Raha's birthday. Reports indicate that Ranbir adopted a vegetarian diet and practiced yoga diligently under the guidance of a professional instructor to prepare for the role. As the team prepares for the first part's release, filming for Ramayana 2 is already underway, which will depict the epic confrontation between Rama and Ravana, scheduled for Diwali 2027.