Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna has expressed strong disapproval regarding the portrayal of Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming cinematic adaptation of the Ramayana. Khanna, who is known for his outspoken nature, took issue with the initial promotional glimpses of the film, specifically scenes showing Ranbir Kapoor’s character leaping onto trees and displaying aggressive combat skills. According to the actor, this action-hero style of filmmaking contradicts the traditional image of Lord Ram as ‘Maryada Purushottam.’ Khanna argued that the deity’s strength was rooted in patience and humility, noting that even when facing the ocean, Ram chose prayer over immediate aggression.
Highlighting the historical significance of the epic, Khanna questioned the necessity of such a hyper-aggressive depiction. He pointed out that if Lord Ram were intended to be a warrior akin to a commando, the reliance on the Vanara army and figures like Hanuman would lose its narrative purpose. Furthermore, Khanna lamented that such creative choices are often made by members of the Hindu community itself, whom he believes view their own heritage as a ‘soft target.’ He also noted that casting Ranbir Kapoor in such a role shortly after the release of his intense film Animal could potentially lead to a jarring clash of on-screen personas for the audience.
The ambitious two-part project, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and backed by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios, features an ensemble cast including Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. With a star-studded lineup that also includes Ravi Dubey, Kajal Aggarwal, and Arun Govil, the film is one of the most anticipated releases in Indian cinema. The first installment is slated for a worldwide release during Diwali 2026, followed by the second part in Diwali 2027, with plans to release the epic in multiple languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.