Mukesh Khanna questions Ranbir Kapoor’s casting as Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana

Mukesh Khanna, best known for his portrayal of Shaktimaan and Bhishma Pitamah, has raised concerns over Ranbir Kapoor’s casting as Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated Ramayana adaptation. Speaking candidly in an interview with Midday, Khanna questioned whether Ranbir’s real-life persona and recent roles align with the sanctity of the epic character.

Ranbir Kapoor recently concluded shooting for Part One of the two-part film series, set to release in 2026 and 2027. However, Khanna expressed doubts, citing the negativity surrounding Ranbir's character in Animal as potentially problematic for audiences viewing him as the epitome of virtue, Lord Ram.

“They are making Ramayana, and comparisons with Arun Govil are inevitable,” Khanna remarked, referencing the actor who set a benchmark as Lord Ram in the iconic television series. He stressed that the actor portraying Ram must embody his character’s qualities off-screen as well, adding, “If one is playing Ram, they shouldn’t be seen drinking or partying in real life.”

Drawing parallels to the criticism faced by Prabhas in Adipurush, Khanna said, “Prabhas wasn’t accepted because he didn’t look like Ram, despite being a huge star. Ranbir is a fine actor, but his face and aura need to align with Ram’s image.”

The film boasts an ensemble cast with Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana aims to leverage cutting-edge technology to bring the epic to life for a modern audience. A leaked image earlier this year featuring Ranbir and Sai Pallavi in costume sparked considerable excitement online.

Ranbir Kapoor recently spoke about the significance of his role, saying, “It’s India’s greatest story, and telling it to the new generation with advanced technology is gratifying. Playing Lord Ram is a profound opportunity for me as an actor.” Despite Kapoor’s enthusiasm, the debate over his suitability for the role continues, with opinions divided among fans and industry veterans.