Nitesh Tiwari's highly anticipated cinematic adaptation of Ramayana continues to generate massive buzz and box office momentum. Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who lends his voice to the character of Jatayu in the project, has addressed the ongoing audience discussions comparing the portrayals of Lord Rama, played by Ranbir Kapoor, and Ravana, played by Yash. When questioned about why certain viewers found Ravana's presence more formidable than Rama's in the initial scenes, the seasoned performer offered a clear explanation.
A Strategic Choice to Establish the Villain First
In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Anupam Kher noted that director Nitesh Tiwari and the creative team knew from the very beginning that the narrative would span two distinct parts. This was not a sudden decision made on the fly. According to him, establishing the antagonist with immense power in the opening chapter was essential so that the eventual triumph of good over evil in the subsequent installment carries an equally massive emotional and visual impact.
A Classic Formula of Hindi Cinema
Elaborating further, the actor pointed out that mainstream Hindi cinema has long relied on this structural approach. He explained that unless the sheer magnitude of the villain's strength is properly conveyed, the true scale of the hero's challenge fails to register with the audience. From Sholay to Karma, commercial Hindi films have traditionally heightened the terror of the antagonist to make the final victory of the protagonist feel genuinely thrilling, a strategy that has been carefully adopted here as well.
The True Stature of Shri Ram in Later Parts
Kher also clarified that Ravana's grand and larger-than-life presentation stands out precisely because it is countered by the grounded nature of Lord Rama's character. While Ravana's demeanor might appear dramatic and theatrical, the underlying essence of Rama is profound. In the forthcoming chapters of the narrative, the true persona of Rama will fully emerge as the story progresses toward events like the defeat of Vali and the confrontation with Meghnad.
Complete Faith in the Filmmakers' Vision
Addressing audience impatience, the actor emphasized that viewers often rush to judge the entire epic from a single segment. He highlighted emotional moments such as the interaction between Jatayu and Rama, where Rama breaks down in grief, showcasing a deep human vulnerability that resonates deeply with audiences. Concluding his thoughts, he asserted that no one understands the creative vision and execution of this Ramayana better than Namit Malhotra and Nitesh Tiwari.
