One of the biggest revelations about Ramayana just dropped—and it adds an unexpected twist to the film’s already massive scale. At a special event in Los Angeles, Ranbir Kapoor confirmed he won’t just portray Rama in the mythological epic. The actor revealed he is also stepping into the role of Parashurama, bringing two powerful avatars of Vishnu to life in the same film.
Ranbir Kapoor reveals his double role in Ramayana
During an interaction with Collider at the Los Angeles event, Ranbir confirmed that he will portray both Rama and Parshurama in the ambitious mythological adaptation directed by Nitesh Tiwari.
Speaking about the opportunity, the actor explained that both characters represent different incarnations of Vishnu in Hindu mythology.
“Lord Vishnu had different avatars. Lord Rama was an avatar, and Lord Parshurama was an avatar before Lord Rama,” Ranbir said. “Just to get the opportunity—how I got to play Lord Rama—to also play Lord Parshurama was fantastic.”
The revelation immediately sparked curiosity among fans, as the two characters carry dramatically different energies in mythology.
Calm and storm.
That contrast could become one of the film’s most fascinating acting challenges.
How Ranbir Kapoor prepared for Rama and Parshurama
Ranbir also spoke about the preparation that went into portraying the two avatars. According to the actor, the process went beyond physical transformation.
Instead, he focused on understanding the deeper emotional and spiritual dimensions of the characters.
“I think as an actor, apart from body language, if you deeply understand the spirituality and the emotionality of the characters, everything starts from there,” he said.
Ranbir revealed that he spent nearly a year preparing before filming began, studying the motivations and values behind both mythological figures.
That groundwork, he suggested, helped him approach the roles with clarity rather than simply relying on costume or visual changes.
For an actor known for modern, grounded characters, the shift into epic mythology is a major departure.
Why the Rama–Parshurama connection matters in Ramayana
The casting choice also carries an interesting mythological layer.
In traditional tellings of the Ramayana, Parshurama and Rama represent two successive avatars of Vishnu whose encounter symbolizes a transition between eras.
Parshurama is often portrayed as fierce and uncompromising, while Rama embodies restraint, righteousness, and balance.
If the film explores this dynamic fully, the moment could become one of the story’s most dramatic philosophical turning points.
Casting the same actor in both roles may amplify that symbolic transition.
It’s a storytelling choice rarely attempted in mythological cinema.
Ramayana cast, teaser reactions and massive budget
Produced by Namit Malhotra, the film boasts one of the most star-studded casts assembled for an Indian mythological epic.
Alongside Ranbir, the film features:
- Yash as Ravana
- Sai Pallavi as Sita
- Ravie Dubey as Lakshmana
- Sunny Deol as Hanuman
A teaser titled the “Rama glimpse” previously offered audiences their first look at Ranbir in character. The clip also briefly showcased Sita, Lakshman and Ravana emerging from the mythical Pushpak Vimana.
Audience reactions, however, were divided.
While some viewers praised the scale and visual ambition, others questioned whether Ranbir fits the traditional image of Lord Rama. The VFX and CGI also drew mixed responses online.
Still, the film’s ambition is undeniable.
With a reported budget of nearly ₹4,000 crore, the project ranks among the most expensive productions ever attempted in Indian cinema. The filmmakers have even compared its scale to global fantasy franchises like The Lord of the Rings and Avatar.
The first installment of Ramayana is scheduled to release during Diwali, with the second part planned for Diwali 2027. With Ranbir Kapoor now confirmed in two mythological roles, the film’s scale—and expectations—have only grown larger.
