Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana Defends Ranbir Kapoor’s Casting as Lord Rama
The film Ramayana is choosing Ranbir Kapoor to play Lord Rama.
Director Nitesh Tiwari said finding the right actor for this role is extremely difficult.
He believed Ranbir had the qualities needed for the character.
Arun Govil, who once played Rama on television, said Ranbir reminded him of the way he imagined Rama.
Sai Pallavi said Ranbir looked like the image of Rama she remembered from childhood.
Ranbir said the role is a serious responsibility, not just another acting job.
He also said forgiveness was one of Rama’s greatest strengths.
The movie will be released in two parts and is expected to be very expensive to make.
Some people online have criticized the casting, while the filmmakers and cast have defended it.
Director Nitesh Tiwari called casting Shri Ram “next to impossible” but said Ranbir Kapoor checked every box.
Arun Govil said Ranbir most closely matches his image of Lord Rama and will play King Dasharatha.
Ranbir described the role as a responsibility and said forgiveness was Shri Ram’s greatest weapon.
Sai Pallavi and producer Namit Malhotra praised Ranbir’s appearance, sincerity and simplicity, while Ravi Dubey cited his innocence.
The two-part film reportedly has a budget of about $500 million and over Rs 4,000 crore, with releases planned for October 2026 and Diwali 2027.
- Who
- Director Nitesh Tiwari, producer Namit Malhotra, Ranbir Kapoor, Arun Govil, Sai Pallavi and Ravie Dubey discussed the casting.
- What
- The makers released a behind-the-scenes video explaining why Ranbir Kapoor was chosen to play Lord Rama in Ramayana.
- When
- The video was released around Ranbir Kapoor’s 44th birthday; the first film is scheduled for October 2026 and the second for Diwali 2027.
- Where
- The reports do not specify where the video was recorded.
- Why
- The video aimed to explain the significance of the casting and promote the two-part film ahead of its release.
Casting Supporters
Casting Critics
Ranbir Kapoor’s suitability
Casting Supporters
Nitesh Tiwari, Arun Govil, Sai Pallavi, Namit Malhotra and Ravie Dubey said Ranbir reflects qualities associated with Lord Rama, including simplicity, sincerity, innocence and humility.
Casting Critics
A section of social-media users criticized the casting, citing Ranbir Kapoor’s previous film choices and food habits.
Scale and budget
Casting Supporters
Namit Malhotra said the approximately $500 million budget reflects an ambitious effort to present the epic to a global audience, while claiming the production is being handled efficiently.
Casting Critics
The reports do not provide a specific public response from critics about the reported budget, but the scale has been described as unusually large for an Indian film.
- Film
- Ramayana
- Director
- Nitesh Tiwari
- Producer
- Namit Malhotra
- Ranbir Kapoor’s role
- Lord Rama
- Arun Govil’s role
- King Dasharatha
- Format
- Two-part live-action saga
- Reported budget
- About $500 million, or more than Rs 4,000 crore, for both parts
- Release schedule
- First part in October 2026 ahead of Diwali; second part at Diwali 2027
