Ravie Dubey backs Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama; critics still split

In the wake of the first teaser for Nitesh Tiwari’s epic Ramayana, the choice of Ranbir Kapoor to portray the legendary King Rama has sparked a heated debate online. While a segment of viewers argue that Kapoor’s appearance and demeanor do not align with the traditional image of Rama, others defend his suitability, citing his striking looks and star power.

Amid this polarized response, co‑star Ravie Dubey—who plays Lakshman in the film—stepped forward to defend Kapoor’s casting. Speaking with Variety India, Dubey praised Kapoor as “the best we have” and highlighted his professionalism on set. He described the actor’s sincerity, work ethic, etiquette, intensity and preparation as “unparalleled,” and added that Kapoor’s grounded, warm and inclusive nature makes him a pleasure to work with. Dubey said, “There is no weight of his stardom in the way he interacts with people. I find that enormously inspiring.”

Kapoor himself has confirmed that he will portray both Lord Rama and the earlier avatar Lord Parshurama. In an interview with Collider, he explained that Vishnu’s avatars include both figures, and that playing both roles is a “fantastic” opportunity. The dual‑role portrayal is set to be released over two parts, with the first part scheduled for Diwali 2026 and the second for Diwali 2027.

Ramayana is a massive production backed by Namit Malhotra and Yash under Prime Focus Studios, Monster Mind Creations and DNEG. With a budget of ₹4,000 crore, it ranks among the most expensive films ever made in India. The ensemble cast features Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol, Yash, Anupam Kher, Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh, Vivek Oberoi, Kunal Kapoor, Adinath Kothare, Arun Govil, Indira Krishnan and Lara Dutta, alongside newcomer Ravie Dubey.

While critics remain divided over Kapoor’s fit for the role, supporters like Dubey emphasize the actor’s dedication and talent, suggesting that his performance will resonate with audiences. Only time will tell whether the film’s ambitious vision and star-studded lineup will translate into box‑office success and critical acclaim.