The buzz surrounding Nitesh Tiwari’s adaptation of Ramayana has intensified following the release of its teaser on Thursday. This sneak peek provides the first official glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, eliciting mixed reactions from viewers. While some fans have embraced the portrayal, others question Ranbir’s suitability for the role. Notably, Sunil Lahri, who famously portrayed Lakshman in Ramanand Sagar’s classic Ramayana series, has shared his perspective. In an interview with DNA, he commented on the teaser, choosing not to critique its visual effects but mentioning that certain aspects didn’t resonate with him. He emphasized that a teaser alone cannot determine a film’s quality. Reflecting on the enduring emotional impact of his own show, he remarked that the strong sentiments conveyed in Ramayana have kept it relevant for nearly four decades. Sunil stated, “Regardless of a film’s budget, if it lacks emotional depth, audiences won’t connect, and the film won’t succeed. Emotion is key.” Regarding Ranbir’s debut appearance as Rama, he noted, “Ranbir looks fine, but he seems to lack the innocence. The calmness and patience that Arun (Govil) embodied are somewhat absent here. However, I believe he will bring depth to the role through his acting.” Sunil also acknowledged the ongoing debate about Ranbir’s ability to portray the serene Lord Rama, especially after his recent intense role in Animal, aligning with others who feel he might be better suited for characters like Lakshman or Bharat. He commented, “For such a pivotal role, casting a fresh face often works best. An actor without a pre-existing image or controversy is typically the ideal choice.” As for the Ramayana project, it is being produced on a grand scale with a budget of Rs 4000 crore, making it one of India’s most expensive films. The cast includes Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The teaser primarily showcased Lord Rama, with brief glimpses of other characters. The first part of this epic is set to hit theaters on Diwali 2026, followed by the second part in Diwali 2027.
