RAMAYANA CONTROVERSY: Why is there so much controversy over the casting of Ranbir Kapoor for the role of Lord Ram in the upcoming film ‘Ramayana’? Is the image of Arun Govil still so strong in the hearts of people that they are not able to accept a second Ram? How will Ranbir’s performance be in ₹4000 crore ‘Ramayana’? Arun Govil has openly expressed his opinion on these questions.
As soon as the first teaser of Nitesh Tiwari’s mega budget film ‘Ramayana’ was released, a huge discussion started on social media. While many viewers praised Ranbir Kapoor’s Lord Ram look, a large number of people also raised questions on his casting. Amidst this debate, Arun Govil, who is considered the most popular Ram of TV, has reacted on this controversy for the first time. Arun Govil believes that the character he played decades ago is still alive in the hearts of people, hence the audience is taking time to accept a new face as Lord Ram.
Why was there controversy over the character of Ram?
Ranbir Kapoor was shown as Lord Ram for the first time in the teaser of ‘Ramayana’. As soon as the glimpse of the film was released, mixed reactions were seen on social media. Many users praised Ranbir, while some people believed that another actor could have been more suitable for the role of Lord Ram. For this reason the debate regarding the casting of the film intensified.
Arun Govil said- People do not want to see another Ram
In a recent conversation with Variety India, Arun Govil said, “Maybe one of the reasons for this is that my acting as Lord Ram became a standard for people. He is still alive in the hearts and minds of people. No one wants to see another Ram.” He further said, “My ‘Ramayan’ is still being telecasted somewhere or the other continuously. Even today in North and Central India, my face is visible in fairs, Ramlilas and pictures of Lord Ram. In such a situation, I do not find it right to comment on the performance of any other actor in Lord Ram.”
What did Arun Govil say about Ranbir Kapoor?
When Arun Govil was asked about Ranbir Kapoor’s Ram avatar, he responded positively. He said, “I can’t say anything about his acting as Lord Ram right now, but there is no doubt that he is a good actor. He is also a great human being. Every actor plays a character in his own way and I am sure he too must have played Lord Ram in his own style.”
1987’s ‘Ramayana’ created a national icon
Arun Govil played the character of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s historical ‘Ramayana’, aired in 1987-88. It is counted among the most popular serials in Indian television history. The popularity of the show was so much that the audience started respecting Arun Govil and Deepika Chikhalia, who played the character of Sita, like the real Lord Ram and Mother Sita.
Who is in ‘Ramayana’ worth Rs 4000 crore?
Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’ is being counted among the most expensive films of Indian cinema. According to reports, its total budget is said to be around Rs 4000 crore. The main star cast of the film is as follows:-
- Ranbir Kapoor – Lord Ram
- Sai Pallavi – Mother Sita
- Yash – Ravana
- Sunny Deol – Lord Hanuman
- Ravi Dubey – Laxman
- Arun Govil as Raja Dasharatha
In the teaser, along with glimpses of Lord Ram, small glimpses of Sita, Lakshman and Ravana were also shown. In the end, the glimpse of Ravana’s Pushpak Viman also caught the attention of the audience. This ambitious film of producer Namit Malhotra will be released in two parts. The first part will hit the theaters in October 2026, while the second part will be released in 2027. There is tremendous enthusiasm about the film not only in the country but also at the international level.