Ramanand Sagar’s Son Defends Ranbir Kapoor’s Lord Ram Role
Amid the Dhurandhar wave, attention has shifted to the much-awaited Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram.
The video teaser of this mythological-themed film was released on April 2, 2026, and quickly garnered millions of views.
While some find Ranbir’s appearance as Lord Ram convincing, others call him miscast.
Stepping into the discussion, Ramanand Sagar’s son, Moti Sagar, recently voiced his support for Ranbir Kapoor.
After viewing the teaser, Moti Sagar expressed his opinion that the film should not be directly compared with the classic TV series Ramayan, directed by his late father.
Moti Sagar Applauds Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram
Speaking to the media about the Ramayana teaser, Moti Sagar commended Kapoor. Here is his statement:
"He is a class actor and brings depth to his roles. But you can't judge from just the teaser. He must have gone deep into this character. I’d like to see the whole film before commenting, but I expect something very good."
Comparison with Ramanand Sagar Ramayan
Highlighting the differences between the upcoming film and the renowned 1987 Ramayana by Ramanand Sagar, Moti Sagar noted that the original serial comprised 78 episodes of 30-40 minutes each, while the new film runs for three to four hours. He emphasised that these differences are significant.
Old Ramayana Cast
Ramanand Sagar's Ramayana was adapted from Valmiki's Ramayana and Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas.
The classic serial aired on Doordarshan between 1987 and 1988. During that time, the streets would empty as viewers rushed home to watch the show.
The classic Ramayana, which became one of the most-watched television shows, featured a star cast including Arun Govil as Lord Ram, Dipika Chikhlia as Sita, Sunil Lehri as Laxman, Dara Singh as Hanuman, Arvind Trivedi as Ravana, and Vijay Arora as Meghnath.
This series was not a massive success at the time of its original release, nor during the March 28, 2020, lockdown.
Nitesh Tiwari Ramayana
Now, coming to the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Ramayana, it is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra through Prime Focus Studios, with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations.
Ramayana is said to be the most eagerly awaited film of the year. Made with a total budget of Rs 4,000 crore, it is the most expensive film ever made.
Ranbir Kapoor Ramayana Cast
The upcoming Ramayana movie has the following main star cast.
- Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram
- Sai Pallavi as Sita
- Ravi Dubey as Laxman
- Sunny Deol as Hanuman
- Yash as Ravana
- Kajal Aggarval as Mandodari
- Arun Govil as Raja Dasharath
- Indira Krishnan as Kausalya
- Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi
- Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha
- Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara
- Kunal Kapoor as Indra Dev
Ramayana Movie Release Date
The first screening of Nitesh Tiwari Ramayana was unveiled in the United States and then in India, offering audiences a first look at this ambitious project.
Before release, the movie teaser was slammed for its VFX, while many liked the visuals.
The first instalment of this movie is set to hit the theatres on Diwali 2026. The second part will be released in 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about this topic
Ramanand Sagar's son defended Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Lord Ram in the upcoming film, stating that actors bring their own interpretations to roles, and Kapoor's performance aligns with the character’s essence.
Some fans and critics questioned whether Kapoor, as a modern actor, could convincingly portray a mythological figure like Lord Ram, given the cultural significance of the role.
He expressed that Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal is respectful and that it is important to let artists bring their unique perspectives to iconic roles, especially in a film like Ramayana.
Ramanand Sagar is famous for directing the iconic TV series Ramayan, which became one of the most popular and influential adaptations of the epic in India.
Ranbir Kapoor’s role is highly significant because the film is one of the most anticipated releases, and he plays the central character of Lord Ram, a figure revered by millions in India.
