Mumbai: Shiv Sagar, grandson of legendary filmmaker Ramanand Sagar, has expressed reservations about Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming film Ramayana, saying he would have preferred a fresh face for the revered character.
Shiv, whose grandfather created the iconic Ramayan television series in the late 1980s, said Ranbir’s previous roles, particularly his performance in Animal, could make it difficult for audiences to accept him as Lord Ram. He acknowledged Ranbir’s acting ability but questioned whether his existing screen image was suitable for such a spiritually significant role.
Shiv Sagar explains his concern over Ranbir’s casting
Shiv Sagar said he would have preferred the makers to choose a relatively unknown or fresh actor for the role of Lord Ram. According to him, actors taking on mythological characters can benefit from not having a strong association with previous screen roles.
His concern centres on Ranbir’s established image as an actor. In particular, Shiv pointed to Animal, in which Ranbir played a violent and morally complex character, as one of the performances that could remain in viewers’ minds.
Shiv has previously expressed similar reservations about the casting, saying that Ranbir has considerable “baggage” from his earlier roles and that he was unsure whether audiences would accept him as Ram.
However, his comments are not a criticism of Ranbir’s acting abilities. Shiv has acknowledged the actor’s talent while arguing that the casting of a character such as Lord Ram requires a different consideration.
Why a fresh face could have worked better
According to Shiv, the practice of casting fresh faces for highly revered mythological characters can help audiences form a new association with the character instead of carrying memories of an actor’s previous performances.
Lord Ram occupies a particularly significant place in Indian cultural and religious traditions. As a result, actors portraying the character face expectations that extend beyond conventional film performances.
Shiv believes a newcomer could have entered the role without an established cinematic identity, allowing viewers to associate the actor more closely with the character of Ram.
The casting of Ranbir, by contrast, means audiences are approaching the character with memories of his performances in films across different genres.
Shiv Sagar praises Yash and Sai Pallavi
While questioning Ranbir’s casting, Shiv Sagar has praised other members of the Ramayana cast.
He expressed appreciation for Kannada star Yash, who plays Ravana, and Sai Pallavi, who portrays Sita. Shiv indicated that he was more comfortable with these casting choices and praised their suitability for their respective characters.
Yash’s portrayal of Ravana has been one of the major talking points surrounding the upcoming film, while Sai Pallavi’s casting as Sita has also attracted considerable attention.
Shiv’s comments therefore do not amount to a rejection of the entire project. Instead, his reservations are primarily centred on Ranbir’s portrayal of Ram.
Ramayana carries Ramanand Sagar legacy
Shiv Sagar’s views have attracted attention because of his family connection to one of the most influential screen adaptations of the Ramayana.
Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan, which aired on Doordarshan in the late 1980s, became a cultural phenomenon. Arun Govil’s portrayal of Lord Ram became particularly associated with the character for an entire generation of viewers.
The enduring popularity of that series has meant that every major screen adaptation of the epic is inevitably compared with the earlier television version.
Shiv’s comments come from this legacy, although the upcoming film is a new cinematic interpretation directed by Nitesh Tiwari and is not a remake of Ramanand Sagar’s television series.
Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana set for November release
The upcoming Ramayana is being made as a two-part epic, with Ranbir Kapoor as Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. The film is directed by Nitesh Tiwari.
The first part is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 6, 2026.
The project has generated considerable interest because of its large-scale production, star-studded cast and ambitious visual effects. The film also brings together actors from different Indian film industries, with Yash representing a major Kannada cinema presence.
The production has been positioned as a large-scale cinematic interpretation of the epic rather than a television-style retelling.
Audience will have the final say
Despite his reservations, Shiv Sagar has acknowledged that the final judgment will come from audiences.
The debate over Ranbir’s casting has been ongoing since the film was announced, with viewers divided over whether a major Bollywood star should play such an iconic mythological character.
For the filmmakers, Ranbir’s popularity could help the film reach a wider audience, while his established acting career also gives the character a recognisable face.
For Shiv Sagar, however, the question is whether that familiarity will work in favour of or against the portrayal of Lord Ram.
As Ramayana approaches its November release, Ranbir’s performance will ultimately determine whether audiences accept him in the role. The film’s reception will also show whether the concerns surrounding the casting translate into a wider response once viewers see the full portrayal on screen.