‘Ranbir Kapoor Lacks Innocence..’: Sunil Lahri Reacts To Ramayana Teaser

The highly anticipated teaser for Nitesh Tiwari’s magnum opus, Ramayana, has ignited a firestorm of debate across social media and the film industry.

While the visual scale of the project is undeniable, it has drawn a sharp critique from Sunil Lahri, the veteran actor immortalized for his portrayal of Lakshman in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic television adaptation. Lahri expressed a sense of being “irked” by the teaser, specifically targeting the casting of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram.

In a candid discussion, Lahri pointed out that while Kapoor is a formidable performer, he lacks the inherent “innocence” required for the divine avatar.

Drawing a comparison to Arun Govil’s legendary portrayal, Lahri noted that the patience and calm demeanor seen in the original are missing in this modern rendition. He further suggested that Kapoor’s recent gritty turn in the blockbuster Animal might be working against him, making his features appear “harsh” for a character defined by purity and grace.

According to Lahri, Kapoor might have been a better fit for the roles of Lakshman or Bharat, emphasizing that a fresh face without a predefined cinematic image is often ideal for such spiritual roles.

In stark contrast, Dipika Chikhlia, who played the definitive Sita on screen, shared a much more optimistic view. She praised the teaser for its “grand” and “rich” aesthetic, noting that the production values appear top-tier. Chikhlia expressed her excitement for the film’s release, stating that the visuals are “very beautiful” and that she is eagerly awaiting the full cinematic experience. This divide in opinion highlights the immense pressure on the production to balance modern VFX with the traditional sensibilities of the epic.

The film features a massive ensemble cast including Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. With supporting roles played by Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh, and even Arun Govil himself, the stakes are sky-high. Ramayana: Part I is scheduled to hit theaters this Diwali, followed by the second installment in Diwali 2027, setting the stage for what could be the biggest box-office event in Indian history.