Shaktimaan star expresses concerns over Kapoor's casting, citing his 'Animal' image and portrayal of Ram as warrior
Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, renowned for his iconic roles as Shaktimaan and Bhishma Pitamah in BR Chopra's Mahabharat, has raised questions about Ranbir Kapoor's casting as Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari's highly anticipated film adaptation of Ramayana.
In a candid interview with Galatta India, Khanna expressed reservations about whether the Bollywood star can embody the "Maryada Purushottam" (ideal man) image of Lord Ram, particularly given his recent controversial role in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's "Animal."
Khanna's criticism stems from the film's teaser, released in July, which showed Ranbir Kapoor's Ram climbing trees and shooting arrows. The veteran actor found this depiction problematic, arguing that it misrepresents the deity's character.
"They're showing Lord Ram climbing trees and shooting arrows. Krishna or Arjuna can do that, but Ram wouldn't do it," Khanna stated. "If Ram proclaimed himself as a warrior, he would never ask monkeys to help him. He was enough, one man against Ravana."
The 75-year-old actor emphasized that Ram should be portrayed as "Maryada Purushottam" rather than a conventional warrior, warning that audiences might not accept this interpretation.
While acknowledging Kapoor's acting abilities, Khanna pointed to the lingering impact of the actor's role in "Animal," the 2023 blockbuster that sparked widespread controversy for its portrayal of toxic masculinity and violence.
"From what I can see, I don't know if Ranbir Kapoor can pull off the Maryada Purushottam image of Ram. He's a good actor, but he has an image chasing him and that's Animal," Khanna explained. "I don't have an objection to it. He could do it. But I think if you show Lord Ram as a warrior, then people will not accept it. This can create a problem."
Khanna also revealed that he was asked to comment on Kapoor's casting in light of the actor's previous admission about consuming beef, which many consider inappropriate for someone portraying a Hindu deity. However, the veteran actor refrained from making direct comments, suggesting that Kapoor might have changed his dietary habits.
The ambitious two-part Ramayana project boasts an impressive ensemble cast, with Sai Pallavi as Sita, Kannada superstar Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. The film is being produced by Namit Malhotra under the banner of Prime Focus Studios.
Adding to the project's grandeur, Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer is making his Bollywood debut alongside A.R. Rahman for the film's musical score.
The epic is scheduled for release in two installments, with Part I hitting theaters during Diwali 2026 and Part II following during Diwali 2027.
Despite the criticism, the film's teaser has generated significant excitement among audiences, with many praising its superior visual effects compared to previous mythological films like "Adipurush."
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the filmmakers will address these concerns while staying true to their creative vision for this modern retelling of the ancient epic.
