Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Shiv Sagar Questions Ranbir Kapoor’s Casting as Lord Rama
Ranbir Kapoor is playing Lord Rama in a new film called Ramayana.
Shiv Sagar, whose grandfather made the famous 1987 television series Ramayan, does not think Kapoor was the best choice.
He remembers Kapoor’s violent character in the movie Animal.
Because of that, Sagar says some people may find it hard to see Kapoor as Rama.
He believes a new actor without well-known past roles might have worked better.
Sagar said he is not personally against Kapoor and considers him a good actor.
He praised Yash as Ravana and Sai Pallavi as Sita.
He also praised the decision to cast Arun Govil, the original television Rama, as Dasharath.
The filmmakers have continued with Kapoor’s casting, and audiences will ultimately decide how they respond.
Shiv Sagar said he cannot accept Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama after seeing his violent character in Animal.
He said a fresh or relatively unknown actor could avoid the audience baggage associated with previous roles.
Sagar praised Yash as Ravana and Sai Pallavi as Sita, while calling Kapoor a very good actor.
He suggested Kapoor may have been chosen partly for Ramayana’s commercial and marketing appeal.
Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release in November, with the second part expected around Diwali 2027.
- Who
- Shiv Sagar, grandson of Ramanand Sagar, questioned Ranbir Kapoor’s casting as Lord Rama.
- What
- Sagar said Kapoor’s role in Animal makes it difficult for him to accept the actor as Rama and argued for a fresh face.
- When
- The comments followed the release of the Ramayana: Part 1 trailer; Part One is scheduled for November, and Part Two is expected around Diwali 2027.
- Where
- Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release.
- Why
- Sagar said Kapoor’s previous roles create audience baggage and suggested the casting may also have been influenced by marketing considerations.
Casting Criticism
Announced Production Choice
Suitability for Rama
Casting Criticism
Shiv Sagar said he cannot accept Ranbir Kapoor as Rama after Animal and believes a fresh or unknown face would avoid pre-existing audience associations.
Announced Production Choice
The production has cast Ranbir Kapoor as Rama and is moving ahead with the planned two-part film.
Reason for the Casting
Casting Criticism
Sagar suggested Kapoor may have been selected partly for commercial visibility and marketing appeal.
Announced Production Choice
The articles do not report a public explanation from the filmmakers defending the casting decision.
Approach to Sacred Characters
Casting Criticism
Sagar said his family’s tradition favors fresh faces because Rama and other figures are worshipped and audiences may bring strong emotions to the roles.
Announced Production Choice
The new film uses a mix of established stars and familiar performers, including Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi and Arun Govil.
- Film
- Ramayana, a planned two-part film directed by Nitesh Tiwari
- Casting under scrutiny
- Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama
- Critic
- Shiv Sagar, grandson of Ramanand Sagar and son of Prem Sagar
- Casting criticism
- Sagar said Kapoor’s Animal character creates baggage and that an unknown actor may have been preferable
- Praised casting
- Arun Govil, who played Rama in the 1987 television series, has been cast as Dasharath
- Other principal cast
- Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Hanuman
- Release schedule
- Part One is scheduled for worldwide release in November; Part Two is expected around Diwali 2027
