The first glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor as Rama in Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious film Ramayana has sparked intense debate online. While the teaser impressed many with its scale, not everyone is convinced about the casting. Now, Sunil Lahri — remembered as Lakshman from the iconic 1980s TV series — has weighed in, raising questions about whether Ranbir carries the calm innocence audiences associate with Rama.
Sunil Lahri on Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana look
For many Indians, the image of Lord Rama is inseparable from Arun Govil, who portrayed the character in the legendary TV show Ramayan. That series, which aired between 1987 and 1988 on Doordarshan, remains one of the most watched television shows in Indian history.
So when the teaser of the upcoming film adaptation dropped, reactions were always going to be intense.
Speaking to DNA, Lahri avoided directly criticising the teaser’s VFX, noting that teasers often serve only as a visual showcase. But he admitted that some aspects didn’t fully convince him.
According to the actor, Ranbir’s portrayal appears slightly harsher than the serene image audiences traditionally associate with Rama.
“Ranbir looks okay, but the innocence is a little less,” Lahri said. “The patience, calm, and innocence Arun had are missing here. But I’m sure he will justify the role with his acting.”
One line stood out.
Ranbir may simply need time to win viewers over.
The ‘image baggage’ debate around Ranbir Kapoor
The casting discussion has also been shaped by Ranbir’s previous role in Animal, where he played a violent and morally complex character. That stark contrast has led some viewers to wonder whether audiences will accept him as the composed and dharmic Rama.
Lahri echoed that perception.
“He looks a little harsh,” the actor said, suggesting that Ranbir might naturally suit characters like Lakshman or Bharat more.
He also made a broader observation about mythological casting — one that filmmakers have wrestled with for decades.
According to Lahri, fresh faces often work better in such roles because audiences do not carry preconceived notions about them.
“A new actor, with no image or controversy, is always an ideal match,” he said.
It’s a sentiment many veterans of Indian mythological television have expressed before.
Why mythological roles are uniquely challenging
There’s a reason actors like Arun Govil became permanently associated with their mythological characters.
In the late 1980s, most of the cast of Ramayan were relatively unfamiliar faces. That anonymity helped viewers accept them as divine figures rather than film stars in costume.
Modern Bollywood operates very differently.
Today’s stars come with decades of screen image, controversies, and fandom baggage. When such actors take on sacred characters, audiences often struggle to separate the performer from the persona.
That tension could become one of the defining conversations around the upcoming film.
About the ambitious Ramayana film project
The upcoming Ramayana is one of the most ambitious film projects ever attempted in India.
Mounted on a reported budget of nearly ₹4000 crore, the two-part epic aims to reimagine the ancient story for global audiences.
The cast includes:
- Ranbir Kapoor as Rama
- Yash as Ravana
- Sai Pallavi as Sita
- Sunny Deol as Hanuman
- Ravie Dubey as Lakshman
The teaser focused primarily on Rama but offered brief glimpses of other characters as well. It ended with a dramatic shot hinting at Ravana preparing to emerge in his legendary flying chariot, the Pushpak Vimana.
The scale is enormous.
Expectations are even bigger.
What lies ahead for Ramayana
The first part of the film is currently scheduled for release in October 2026, with the second installment expected in 2027.
Whether Ranbir Kapoor ultimately convinces audiences as Rama will likely remain a central talking point until then — and perhaps even after the film finally arrives in theatres.
