The casting of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari’s much-awaited Ramayana continues to generate discussion. The latest comments have come from Shiv Sagar, grandson of filmmaker Ramanand Sagar, whose 1987 television series Ramayan remains one of the most remembered adaptations of the epic.

Shiv Sagar has said that he personally finds it difficult to accept Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama. Speaking about the casting, he pointed to Ranbir’s previous screen image, particularly his portrayal of Ranvijay Singh in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal.

According to Shiv, the issue is not Ranbir’s acting ability. He described the actor as talented and acknowledged that he has successfully played a variety of characters. However, he believes an actor’s previous roles can influence how audiences perceive them when they take on a deeply revered character such as Lord Rama.

Shiv said he would have preferred a fresh face for the role, arguing that newcomers do not carry the same cinematic “baggage” or established screen image. He also suggested that the makers may have chosen Ranbir partly because his star power could provide the film with a stronger marketing reach.

At the same time, Shiv praised several other casting choices in the film. He specifically mentioned Yash as Ravana and Sai Pallavi as Sita, saying he was impressed by their appearances and felt they carried less baggage from earlier roles in comparison.

Shiv also acknowledged that his opinion will ultimately not determine the film’s success. According to him, the audience will have the final say once Ramayana reaches theatres.

About Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana is planned as a two-part cinematic adaptation.

Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Rama, while Sai Pallavi portrays Sita and Yash appears as Ravana. Sunny Deol plays Hanuman and Ravi Dubey portrays Lakshman. Interestingly, Arun Govil, who famously played Lord Rama in Ramanand Sagar’s 1987 television Ramayan, will appear as King Dashrath in the new film.

The first part is scheduled to arrive in theatres in November 2026, with the second part planned for Diwali 2027.