Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi’s highly anticipated mythological epic Ramayana: Rise of a Legend (Part 1) was released worldwide on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Amid the Diwali season, the divinity-themed release was expected to perform well. According to trade tracker Sacnilk, the film delivered a massive opening day, shattering multiple records. However, online scrutiny around the casting of the Nitesh Tiwari-directorial continued.
Although the film has opened to largely positive reviews for its plot pace and climax, chatter around Ranbir’s casting as Lord Ram has divided the internet. The 44-year-old actor himself once opened up about being skeptical about his selection for the role. However, he later explained why he thinks he could fit it well.
Ranbir Kapoor once reacted to the backlash around his casting as Lord Ram in Ramayana
Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram has been a topic of debate since the two-part epic drama was announced. His casting drew significant criticism from online users, with many claiming he didn’t fit the image of Ram they had in mind. Speaking to Newswire during the Ramayana team’s promotional visit to San Diego Comic-Con, Ranbir shared his thoughts on the backlash. He admitted that even he was doubtful about his selection for the role.
Recalling his initial reaction, Ranbir said, “The first question that popped into my head was, am I worthy? Am I the right person, and why am I being gifted this responsibility to not play Lord Rama but represent him?” However, later his skepticism turned to conviction in doing well in the role, as he knew the gravity of the character.
Ranbir also pushed back against criticism of his casting as Ram, saying different people had different pictures of the Lord in their minds and no single person could fit everyone’s interpretation. In his words:
“But very soon you understand the value, the responsibility and the noble intention of the filmmakers to present the story, which has been relevant for 4,000 years. It’s deeply ingrained in our subconscious. So I don’t think there’s a right actor to play Lord Rama.”
The Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani actor then explained that someone might consider him the best fit for playing Ram, while another person might think he wasn’t meant for it. However, according to Ranbir Kapoor, the only people worthy of playing the mythological Hindu God would be those who had the heart, faith, and right intentions towards the character. He stated:
“All the people who have watched Ramayan, they all have their own interpretation of Lord Ram. There is no fixed face to it. Many people will probably feel like I am the wrong casting. Some people will say I am the right casting. But the honest truth is that the right casting for Ram would be any actor who has the right intentions and who has belief and faith in the journey of Lord Ram.”
Amid mixed opinions about Ranbir’s casting as the protagonist, his co-star Yash, who plays the antagonist Ravana, defended him. Praising Ranbir’s performance, Yash said:
“It’s not easy to play Lord Ram. The way Ranbir Kapoor has done it is marvellous. He has worked incredibly hard, and when you watch Ramayana, you’ll witness a beautiful portrayal of Rama filled with intent and sacrifice.”
More about Ramayana: Rise of a Legend (Part 1)
Part 1 of the big-budget movie follows ‘Ram’s’ life in Ayodhya, his bond with his three brothers, ‘Lakshman’, ‘Bharat’ and ‘Shatrughan’, and the events leading to his exile. Ramayana: Part 1 also introduces the audience to ‘Ravan’ and his ‘soney ki Lanka’. The trouble actually begins when ‘Lakshman’ confronts ‘Ravan’s’ sister, ‘Shurpanakha’, and cuts off her nose.
Seeking revenge, ‘Ravan’ makes a plan to abduct ‘Sita’ with the help of ‘Marich’, the demon who transformed into the golden deer. ‘Ram’ follows the deer into the woods, then ‘Lakshman’ follows him leaving ‘Sita’ inside a protective Lakshman rekha. ‘Ravan’ then gets Sita to cross the rekha and abducts her. In an attempt to save her, ‘Jatayu’ gets killed by ‘Ravana’, and the latter continues his journey towards Lanka with ‘Sita’.
What are your thoughts on Ranbir Kapoor’s statement following the criticism around his casting as Lord Ram? Let us know.
Also Read: Alia Bhatt Shares Husband, Ranbir Kapoor And Daughter’s Rare Photo From ‘Ramayana’ Set
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: bollywoodshaadis.com
