Ramayan Actor Sunil Lahiri Reacts to Ranbir Kapoor’s Ram: ‘Innocence and Calm Are Missing’

Veteran actor Sunil Lahiri, widely known for playing Lakshman in Ramayan, has shared his views on the upcoming film adaptation of the epic, directed by Nitesh Tiwari.

Speaking about the scale of the film, Lahiri emphasized that visual grandeur alone cannot guarantee success.

“4000–5000 crore ki film bhi agar emotions strong nahi hain, toh logon se connect nahi karegi,” he said, underlining that emotional depth remains the core of storytelling.

According to him, it is the emotional connect—not VFX or budget—that ultimately determines whether a film resonates with audiences.

Questions over Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Lord Ram

Lahiri also shared a candid take on Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Ram in the new adaptation of Ramayana.

While acknowledging the actor’s capability, he noted certain concerns about suitability for the role.

“Ranbir looks okay, but the innocence is a little less. The patience, calm, and innocence that Arun had are missing here,” Lahiri said, referring to Arun Govil, whose portrayal of Ram became iconic.

He further added that Kapoor appears “a little harsh” for the character and suggested that he might be better suited to roles like Lakshman or Bharat.

Lahiri also pointed out that mythological roles often benefit from fresh faces, as established stars may carry a strong screen image that can affect audience immersion.

Mixed reactions from Ramayan and Mahabharat actors

The teaser of Ramayana has sparked varied reactions from actors associated with mythological classics.

Nitish Bharadwaj expressed optimism, calling the project a “global avatar” of the epic and praising its vision and scale.

Dipika Chikhlia appreciated the film’s grandeur, describing it as “very grand and rich” and said she looks forward to its release.

Meanwhile, Arun Govil urged audiences not to compare the new film with past adaptations, stating that each version should be judged on its own merit.

Vindu Dara Singh also praised the teaser’s visuals but cautioned that failing to honor the legacy of the original Ramayan could affect audience acceptance.

About the upcoming ‘Ramayana’ film

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman.

With a reported budget of around ₹4000 crore, the project is among the most expensive Indian films ever made. The teaser primarily showcased Lord Ram, along with glimpses of other key characters and large-scale visuals.

The first part of the film is scheduled for release during Diwali 2026, with a second installment planned for 2027.