Cinema VinesRanbir Kapoor has publicly defended his casting as Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic Ramayana, saying that any actor with faith and the right intentions can embody the legendary figure. The Bollywood star, who will also play Lord Parashurama, faced a mixed online reaction after the teaser featuring him as Rama was released, with some praising the performance and others questioning the suitability of the actor for the role.
During a recent interview with Review Nation, Kapoor explained that the first question that crossed his mind when offered the part was whether he was worthy and the right person to represent such an iconic character. He added that the responsibility and noble intention behind the film’s presentation made him understand the weight of the role. “I don’t think there’s a single right actor to play Lord Rama,” he said, stressing that faith and intent are more important than a specific look.
Kapoor also noted that viewers of Ramayana have their own interpretations of Lord Ram’s appearance, and therefore no single face can claim to be the definitive portrayal. He acknowledged that some people will see him as a misfit while others will view him as the right choice, but ultimately the “right casting” is any actor who shares belief and faith in the journey of Lord Ram.
The film’s promotional activities began at San Diego Comic-Con, where the Ramayana team held a panel discussion followed by several interviews. Yash, who will play Ravana, praised Kapoor’s preparation, calling his portrayal “marvellous” and highlighting the actor’s hard work and the “beautiful portrayal of Rama filled with intent and sacrifice.”
Ramayana is a two‑part epic backed by Yash and Namit Malhotra, with a reported budget of ₹4,000 crore, making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever made. The first instalment is slated for release on Diwali 2026, with the second part following on Diwali 2027. In addition to Kapoor, the cast includes Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshmana, with Rakul Preet Singh, Anupam Kher, Arun Govil and Vivek Oberoi in key roles.
