‘It’s Not Just a Role, It’s a Responsibility’: Ranbir Kapoor on Playing Lord Rama in Ramayana
Actor Ranbir Kapoor says portraying Lord Rama in the upcoming mythological film “Ramayana” came with a deep sense of responsibility. He said he constantly reminded himself that he had to live up to the faith audiences had placed in him.
The film’s makers recently released a five-minute behind-the-scenes video on YouTube featuring Ranbir, director Nitesh Tiwari and co-stars Arun Govil and Sai Pallavi discussing the making of the film and Ranbir’s transformation into Lord Rama.
Ranbir on the Responsibility of Playing Lord Rama
Speaking about the role, Ranbir said it was far more than simply another character in a film.
“This isn't a role, or merely an exciting role in a movie. This is a responsibility,” Ranbir said in the video.
He added that his focus throughout the project was not simply on doing justice to the character, but on respecting the trust audiences had placed in the portrayal.
“My job was not to be worthy of this role. My job was to be worthy of the faith that people placed in this role,” he said.
According to Ranbir, the portrayal ultimately depended on maintaining simplicity and genuine belief while playing Lord Rama.
Arun Govil Praises Ranbir’s Casting
Veteran actor Arun Govil, who famously portrayed Lord Rama in Ramanand Sagar’s television series “Ramayan,” plays King Dasharatha in the new film.
Describing the significance of the epic, Govil said the Ramayana represents dignity, honour, pride, culture and heritage.
He also praised Ranbir, saying the actor possesses several qualities that suit the role of Lord Rama. Govil highlighted Ranbir’s humility and recalled that the actor would touch his feet despite being a major contemporary star.
Among the younger generation of actors, Govil said, Ranbir was a particularly suitable choice for the role.
Nitesh Tiwari on Casting Lord Rama
Director Nitesh Tiwari said finding the right actor to portray Lord Rama was one of the biggest challenges of the project.
He noted that the Ramayana is regarded in India as an epic whose values continue to hold significance, making the casting of Lord Rama an especially demanding task.
Tiwari said that when producer Namit Malhotra discussed Ranbir for the role, he felt the actor could meet the requirements of the character.
“Casting Lord Rama was almost next to impossible. All we could do was try,” Tiwari said, adding that Ranbir “ticked all the boxes.”
Sai Pallavi Recalls Her Childhood Image of Rama
Sai Pallavi, who plays Sita, recalled the image of Lord Rama she had formed while growing up.
She described remembering Rama as slender, with his head slightly tilted and a bow in his hands, alongside a petite Sita.
Seeing Ranbir in the role brought that childhood image to life for her, she said, adding that the experience left her awestruck.
Ranbir Talks About the Film’s Global Scale
Ranbir also spoke about the international expertise involved in bringing “Ramayana” to the screen.
He praised producer Namit Malhotra for bringing together talent from India and abroad with a shared vision for telling the epic.
Ranbir said he trained with Terry Notary, known for his work on major international films, to develop the body language and movement required for the character.
He also worked with action director Guy Norris on two action sequences. Ranbir said he was pleasantly surprised by Norris’ interest not only in the action but also in the emotional aspects of Lord Rama.
‘Ramayana’ Release Plans
Produced by Namit Malhotra’s DNEG and Prime Focus Studios, “Ramayana” is being mounted as a large-scale global adaptation of the Indian epic.
The first part is scheduled to release worldwide in theatres on November 6, coinciding with Diwali, while the second instalment is planned for 2027.
The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman.
The screenplay has been written by Shridhar Raghavan, with Tiwari also credited on the screenplay. Yash’s Monster Mind Creations is also backing the production, while Dharma Productions is handling distribution across North India’s Hindi-speaking markets and Sony Pictures is releasing the film internationally. ALSO READ: MrBeast Chants ‘Jai Shri Ram’ at Ramayana Event, Ranbir Kapoor Explains Significance of Lord Ram (VIDEO)
