Mumbai, India – Actor Ranbir Kapoor first turned down the monumental role of Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming film "Ramayana" about four years ago. He felt he was not "fit enough" or "good enough" to do justice to the character. However, becoming a father to his daughter, Raha Kapoor, became a profound turning point, ultimately changing his decision and leading him to accept the part.
Initial Hesitation and Self-Doubt
When producer Namit Malhotra first offered him the role, Ranbir Kapoor's immediate reaction was to decline. He expressed significant self-doubt, stating, "My instant reaction was 'No', I'm not fit enough, not good enough, and I won't be able to do full justice" to the character of Lord Rama. This hesitation stemmed from the immense responsibility and expectations associated with portraying such an iconic mythological figure. The actor openly admitted to questioning his capabilities for such a monumental role in Indian cinema.[indiaforums+6]
The gravity of the character, deeply etched in the consciousness of billions, made him apprehensive. He believed the role demanded a level of commitment and understanding he initially felt he could not provide. This initial rejection highlights the immense pressure and respect actors often feel when approached to portray revered figures from Indian epics. His concerns were not uncommon, given the cultural significance of the Ramayana story.[indiaforums+2]
Raha's Profound Influence
Ranbir Kapoor's perspective shifted dramatically after his daughter, Raha Kapoor, was born in November 2022. He described fatherhood as a "sweet coincidence" that aligned perfectly with the opportunity to play Lord Rama. He needed a change in his "life and lifestyle," and becoming a father provided that catalyst. The fear he initially felt quickly transformed into a sense of gratitude for the opportunity.[hindustantimes+8]
"Opportunities like this were needed very much in my life," Kapoor stated, explaining that becoming a father grounded him emotionally and inspired a desire for a lifestyle change. This personal milestone gave him the confidence and conviction to embrace the challenging and demanding role. His co-star, Indira Krishnan, who plays Kaushalya in the film, shared anecdotes about Ranbir's deep devotion to Raha, even recalling him calling his daughter his "dal chawal" (a staple comfort food, signifying essential love). Krishnan also recounted a story where Ranbir ran a race for Raha, pulling a muscle but still showing up to work, highlighting his commitment as a father. These personal stories underscore the powerful impact Raha had on his decision.[indiaforums+10]
Director's Vision and Casting
Director Nitesh Tiwari also expressed his belief that Ranbir Kapoor was the ideal choice for Lord Rama. Tiwari noted that Lord Rama is a character of "few words" with "unbound love" and pain that is felt rather than seen. He emphasized that the role demanded significant physicality and emotional depth, and he felt "nobody better than Ranbir Kapoor" could portray these qualities and manage the expectations of a billion people.[republicworld+1]
Tiwari clarified that the team did not attempt to modernize the epic saga, stressing that the "essence of Ramayana lies in the values which it holds," which are "universal and timeless". He believes a film like this can remind the world of these values and potentially make the world a better place. This approach underscores the team's commitment to respecting the traditional narrative while presenting it with modern cinematic techniques.[pinkvilla+1]
Preparing for the Iconic Role
Ranbir Kapoor's preparation for Lord Rama began long before filming. He stated that his understanding of the character started from watching Ramanand Sagar's iconic "Ramayana" television series, which is deeply rooted in Indian consciousness. His preparation for the role encompassed not only physical training but also emotional and spiritual immersion. He aimed to understand the character truthfully and approach it with immense "love and respect".[indiaforums+5]
This comprehensive approach highlights the dedication required to embody a character of such cultural and religious significance. The actor's commitment extended beyond the physical demands, delving into the spiritual and emotional core of Lord Rama. His reverence for the story and its protagonist guided his entire preparation process.
Production Details and Release
The film, titled "Ramayana," is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra. It is planned as a two-part series, with the first installment, "Ramayana: Part One," slated for a worldwide IMAX release during Diwali 2026. The second part is scheduled for Diwali 2027.[timesnownews+16]
The ensemble cast includes Sai Pallavi as Sita, KGF star Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. Other prominent actors feature Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, Arun Govil as King Dasharath, Lara Dutta as Queen Kaikeyi, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, Indira Krishnan as Queen Kaushalya, Amitabh Bachchan as Jatayu, Mohit Raina as Lord Shiv, and Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari. The music for the epic is composed by Academy Award-winning musicians Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman.[india+10]
Filming for "Ramayana: Part One" concluded around June 2025. The final edit of the first part is now complete, and the production team is dedicating approximately 300 days to extensive visual effects (VFX) work. The film is being touted as India's most expensive movie, promising a grand cinematic experience.[timesnownews+3]
A first glimpse of the film was released on July 3, 2025. A new visual asset, titled "Rama," showcasing the world of Ramayana through its characters, was unveiled on April 2, 2026, coinciding with Hanuman Jayanti. This glimpse was initially screened in Los Angeles on March 31, 2026, before its India debut, which generated some debate among netizens. Producer Namit Malhotra compared the film's scale to "The Lord of the Rings," its creature work to "Avatar," and its humanity and emotion to "Gladiator".[hindustantimes+5]
Ranbir Kapoor's journey to accepting the role of Lord Rama underscores a significant personal evolution, driven by the profound experience of fatherhood. His initial hesitation transformed into a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude, promising an earnest portrayal of the revered deity.
