Spiritual leader Sadhguru has come out in support of Ranbir Kapoor’s casting as Lord Ram in the upcoming epic film Ramayana, calling the criticism of the actor’s selection “unfair”. He emphasised that while an actor may portray a divine character on screen, one should not expect the actor to “become” that character in real life.
In a recent interview, Sadhguru responded to the backlash on social media, where some viewers argued that Ranbir Kapoor, given his previous roles and public image, was not a suitable choice for the revered character of Ram. Sadhguru remarked that taking a part on screen does not equate to embodying it entirely in life: “You can’t expect him to become Ram.” According to him, the judgment being passed on the actor based solely on past actions or roles is misplaced.
The film, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra and others, features Ranbir Kapoor in the role of Lord Ram and the actor Yash as Ravana. Sadhguru also commented on Yash’s casting, calling him a “handsome man” and implying that the role of Ravana requires depth and nuance, which Yash is expected to bring to the character.
Ranbir’s casting has triggered a mix of excitement and scepticism among audiences and critics alike. Some traditionalists have questioned whether his onscreen persona aligns with the mythological gravitas required for Lord Ram. Sadhguru’s intervention seeks to shift the conversation away from preconceived notions and towards the craft of storytelling and performance.
The ambitious project is slated for release in multiple parts, with the first installment aiming for a Diwali release in 2026. The film also features a star-studded cast including Sai Pallavi in the role of Sita and veterans like Sunny Deol and Amitabh Bachchan in supporting roles.
Sadhguru’s defence of Ranbir emphasises that actors should be judged for their performance within a role, rather than expected to mirror the moral or spiritual stature of a mythological icon. For Ranbir Kapoor, this support may help ease some of the critique ahead of what is being billed as one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious mythological epics to date.
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