New Delhi . Nitesh Tiwari's film 'Ramayana' starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash in lead roles has been released on the big screen. With the release of the film, almost four decade old Ramanand Sagar's Television Ramayana is once again in the news. This series, which aired in the year 1987, created such an identity among the Indian audience, whose impact is still visible today. This is the reason why the characters of the new film are being compared with the old actors. In both the productions, the major characters like Ram, Sita, Ravana, Lakshman, Shurpanakha and Kaikeyi are shown in different styles.
The biggest difference between Arun Govil and Ranbir Kapoor in the character of Ram is seen in their portrayal of personality. Arun Govil had presented Ram in 1987's Ramayana as a man with a calm, dignified, gentle and spiritual personality. His facial expressions, way of speaking dialogues and restrained behavior became the identity of this character. Even today, when Ram's role is discussed, his name is taken prominently. Interestingly, Arun Govil is playing the role of King Dasharatha in the new film.
Whereas Ranbir Kapoor has presented Ram as an active, physically strong and warrior prince who struggles with the circumstances. Along with spiritual stability, the challenges and emotional situations faced during exile have also been given place in his character. However, due to the different image of his previous films, it may be a different experience for the audience to accept him as Ram.
There is also a significant difference between the two productions in the character of Sita. Deepika Chikhalia played Sita in the old serial with decency, patience, self-respect and traditional decorum. Respect and dedication towards Ram were prominently visible in his acting. On the other hand, the new film shows Sai Pallavi's Sita in a more active and courageous form. She is physically capable and also appears to be skilled in swordsmanship. In a war scene in the film, she along with Ram and Lakshman face 14 thousand demons. Even in the context of Sita Haran, her portrayal is different from the traditional presentation.
The roles of Arvind Trivedi and Yash in the role of Ravana also present a different perspective. Arvind Trivedi had established Ravana as an arrogant, dominant and fear-inducing mythological villain. His powerful dialogues and distinctive laugh became the hallmark of this role. In the new film, Yash plays Ravana as a powerful Lankan ruler with a politically astute and complex personality. His decisions, intelligence and inner motives are also given importance. Due to this change, different discussions are taking place regarding the portrayal of Ravana.
The generational difference is also visible in the acting of Sunil Lahiri and Ravi Dubey in the role of Laxman. Sunil Lahiri portrayed Laxman as a devoted, emotional, angry and loyal younger brother towards his elder brother. Ravi Dubey's Laxman appears more modern, outspoken and ready for action. There is lightness in his dialogues and playfulness in his behaviour.
The performances of Renu Dhariwal and Rakul Preet Singh in the role of Shurpanakha are also quite different. In the old serial, Shurpanakha was shown as aggressive, fearless and scary. Rakul Preet Singh stars as the charming and regal princess of Lanka in the new film. Here his personality is not limited to just a demonic image, but the human condition of rejection is also given importance.
A change is also visible in the character of Kaikeyi. In the old serial, Padma Khanna played Kaikeyi as a queen who, despite having love for Ram, decides to go into exile under the influence of Manthara. Her character also had emotional conflict and a warrior queen side. In the new film, Lara Dutta has presented Kaikeyi as a strong-willed and politically savvy queen. She questions Manthara's words and even interrupts her on many occasions. The logic of fate and predetermination of events is also visible in his dialogues.
While comparing the two productions, it is also important to understand the period and medium of their production. Ramanand Sagar's Ramayana was made within the limited resources of television, while the new film has been made with modern technology, big budget and visual effects. One created a place among the audience through simplicity and acting, while the other has tried to present the characters in a new cinematic style.
Currently, the first part of the film has been released, while the second part is going to come in 2028. In such a situation, the audience will keep an eye on the portrayal of the characters and how their personality gets expanded in the future story.