Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, known for his iconic portrayal of Bhishma Pitamah in Mahabharata, has shared his views on Ranbir Kapoor’s casting as Ram in the upcoming Ramayana film, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. While Khanna acknowledged Kapoor’s acting skills, he expressed concerns about how the character of Ram is being portrayed.

In an interview with Galatta India, Khanna raised doubts over the depiction of Ram as a warrior. He explained, “If Ram is shown climbing a tree and shooting arrows, that’s more in line with what Krishna or Arjuna might do, not Ram. Ram, if depicted as a warrior, wouldn’t have needed the help of monkeys; he would have taken on Ravana alone.” He added that such a portrayal would not be accepted by the audience, as Ram is traditionally seen as a humble figure, not a combative hero.

Challenges for Ranbir Kapoor’s Role as Ram

Khanna also expressed skepticism about Kapoor’s ability to convincingly play Maryada Purushottam Ram, especially given his previous roles. “Ranbir is a good actor, but he’s more associated with roles that have a rough edge. If Ram is portrayed as a warrior, the audience may not accept him in that role,” said Khanna. He emphasized that Ram’s humility was key to his character, referencing his exile and the episode where he humbly accepts Shabari’s berries.

Concerns Over Budget and Execution

Khanna also voiced concerns over the film’s budget and its potential impact on the portrayal of the epic. “The Ramayana cannot be made on a ₹1,000 crore budget; it needs substance, not just a large budget,” he remarked. Drawing parallels to the film Adipurush, Khanna warned that a lack of thoughtful execution could lead to failure. He emphasized that stories like Shaktimaan were successful not because of big stars, but because of their strong content.

On Ranbir’s Past and Casting

When questioned about Kapoor’s past admission of eating beef, Khanna chose not to comment directly, saying, “He may have eaten beef, but perhaps he has given it up now. Let it be.” Khanna’s remarks come amid growing interest in the film’s cast, which includes not just Ranbir Kapoor but also stars like Sunny Deol, Sai Pallavi, and Yash in significant roles.

Khanna concluded by stressing that the Ramayana doesn’t require star power to succeed. “Big actors are not necessary for the Ramayana. If you rely on a star for success, it shows a lack of faith in the character,” he said.

Image Source: Galatta India
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