Mukesh Khanna, the iconic star of Shaktimaan fame, is known for his unfiltered opinions. His latest comments on Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming Ramayana have sparked quite a conversation. The two-part epic, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, has already drawn scrutiny even before production wraps.
In a recent interview, Khanna expressed skepticism about Ranbir Kapoor embodying the essence of Maryada Purushottam Rama. He believes Rama’s dignified and composed nature differs from the warrior-like portrayal suggested in early teasers. “If Rama had proclaimed himself a warrior, he wouldn’t have needed the help of monkeys. He was enough, one man against Ravana,” Khanna stated.
Ranbir Kapoor, coming off the intense and controversial role in Animal, carries an image that might not align with Rama’s divine persona. Khanna acknowledged Kapoor’s acting prowess but questioned whether audiences could separate his past roles from such a sacred character. “He’s a good actor, but he has an image chasing him,” Khanna remarked.
The debate over Bollywood’s depiction of mythological figures isn’t new. Khanna recalled the backlash against Adipurush, which faced criticism for its poor execution and lack of reverence. He warned that modern audiences won’t forgive a careless adaptation of the Ramayana. “You can’t make Ramayana with just a big budget. It requires substance,” he emphasized.
Interestingly, Khanna initially planned to critique AI-generated teaser scenes but held back after learning they weren’t official. He also avoided commenting on Ranbir’s past admission of eating beef, stating, “He might have given it up. Let it go.”
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film boasts a star-studded cast including Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol, and Lara Dutta. Set for a Diwali 2026 and 2027 release, the adaptation has big shoes to fill. Whether Ranbir Kapoor can step into Rama’s role convincingly remains to be seen. For now, Khanna’s skepticism adds another layer to the ongoing discussion.
Fans are divided. Some agree with Khanna’s concerns, while others trust Ranbir’s versatility. The pressure is high, and expectations even higher. This Ramayana adaptation isn’t just a movie; it’s a cultural milestone. How it handles the divine narrative will determine its place in cinematic history.