Expectations and anticipation surrounding director Nitesh Tiwari's epic cinematic spectacle 'Ramayana' have reached unprecedented heights among movie enthusiasts. Following the recent unveil of the film's official teaser, public discourse around the cinematic retelling of the ancient Indian epic has intensified across all platforms. While the grand architectural sets and visually breathtaking special effects have earned widespread acclaim, a section of the audience has raised questions regarding the casting of actor Ranbir Kapoor in the sacred role of Lord Ram. The controversy primarily stems from his recent appearance in intense and dark cinematic roles. Addressing these debates, veteran actress Dipika Chikhlia, who immortalized the role of Mata Sita in Ramanand Sagar's classic television series 'Ramayana', has firmly stepped forward in defense of Ranbir Kapoor.
Judging an Actor by Past Roles is Unfair: Dipika Chikhlia
During a recent media interaction, Dipika Chikhlia responded to the ongoing social media criticism surrounding Ranbir Kapoor's casting as the iconic deity. Addressing questions from critics who argued that an actor known for violent, high-octane films like 'Animal' should not portray Lord Ram, Chikhlia emphasized that versatility is the cornerstone of a true actor's profession. She asserted that evaluating an artist's capability strictly through the lens of their previous fictional characters is completely misguided. Refuting rigid stereotypes, she remarked that performers do not descend from another realm and that taking on contrasting roles is simply the nature of their craft.
Highlighting Ranbir Kapoor's impressive artistic range, Dipika Chikhlia described him as an exceptionally fortunate actor. She noted that it is a rare privilege for any artist to seamlessly transition between drastically different character profiles throughout their career. In her view, a performer capable of delivering a sensitive performance in 'Barfi' as well as an aggressive portrayal in 'Animal' possesses the depth required to represent Lord Ram on screen. She added that Kapoor is extremely lucky to receive such extraordinary cinematic opportunities and expressed optimism about his performance in this historic project.
Ranbir Kapoor Reflects on His Casting at San Diego Comic-Con
Ranbir Kapoor himself previously shared his emotional and mental state upon receiving the offer to play Lord Ram during an appearance at San Diego Comic-Con. The actor admitted that when the role was first presented to him, his immediate reaction was one of profound introspection and self-doubt. He constantly questioned whether he was truly worthy of representing such a revered figure and why such a massive cultural responsibility was being placed on his shoulders.
However, Kapoor explained that his perspective shifted as he recognized the genuine dedication and pure intent of director Nitesh Tiwari and the production team. He noted that the 4,000-year-old epic legacy of Ramayana is deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric and consciousness of the people. Kapoor candidly acknowledged that no actor could ever claim to be a perfect fit to portray Lord Ram, but representing the timeless narrative with sincerity and respect remains the ultimate goal of the entire team.
Ensemble Star Cast and Two-Part Diwali Release Plan
Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana' features a stellar ensemble of renowned actors from across Indian cinema industries. Alongside Ranbir Kapoor, the film stars acclaimed actress Sai Pallavi as Mata Sita, Kannada superstar Yash as Ravana, and veteran action star Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. The star-studded lineup is further strengthened by notable performances from Rakul Preet Singh and Ravi Dubey in pivotal supporting roles.
To do justice to the immense scale and detail of the mythological narrative, the filmmakers have opted for a two-part release strategy. The first installment of the epic saga is scheduled to hit theaters worldwide on Diwali 2026. The second part will follow exactly one year later, making its cinematic debut on Diwali 2027, setting up two consecutive festive season releases for global audiences.
