"After doing 'Animal', people might not accept Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram", says Ramayan actor Sunil Lahri

Ranbir Kapoor's first look from Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana

After his notable performance in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's film 'Animal' last year, Ranbir Kapoor is now gearing up to play the role of Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming movie 'Ramayana'.

While Ranbir and his co-star Sai Pallavi are busy with the film's production, television actor Sunil Lahri, known for his role as Lakshman in Ramanand Sagar's cult 'Ramayan' from the 1980s, has shared his thoughts on Ranbir's casting in the new film.

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Lahri expressed some reservations about whether audiences would accept Ranbir Kapoor in the role of Lord Ram, especially considering his recent role in 'Animal', where he portrayed a character with a violent streak. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Lahri mentioned, "From the poster, I liked his look. It's very nice and since he's so smart, he will look perfect in that role. But I don't know how much people will accept him as Ram." Lahri suggested that it might have been better to cast someone without a predefined image or baggage, despite acknowledging Ranbir Kapoor's stature as a talented actor with a rich family legacy in Bollywood. He emphasized, "I feel that you should take someone that has no image or baggage. It works better. No doubt Ranbir is a great actor with a big legacy of his family and work he has done. I'm sure he will do justice, but again, it is the perception of people that you can't change."

Drawing a parallel with Ranbir's recent role in 'Animal', Lahri commented, "He has to crush his earlier performances and come out with this. And especially, after doing something like 'Animal' recently, it will be very difficult for people to see him in such an opposite role as Lord Ram."

In 'Ramayana', alongside Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Arun Govil, who famously portrayed Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar's TV series, will play the role of King Dasharatha. Originally, Alia Bhatt was slated to play the role of Goddess Sita, but due to scheduling conflicts, Sai Pallavi has been chosen to portray the character. Yash, known for his role in 'KGF', will be portraying the role of Ravana. The film also features Sunny Deol and Lara Dutta in pivotal roles.

The casting of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram has sparked discussions among fans and critics alike, with opinions divided on whether he can convincingly portray such an iconic and revered character from Hindu mythology. While some praise his acting skills and potential to deliver a compelling performance, others like Sunil Lahri are cautious about how audiences will perceive him due to his previous roles.

Ranbir Kapoor, known for his versatility and ability to immerse himself in diverse characters, faces the challenge of transitioning from a role like 'Animal' to embodying the virtuous and noble character of Lord Ram. The contrast between these roles underscores the actor's range but also raises questions about audience reception and acceptance.

As the film progresses in production, all eyes will be on Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Lord Ram and how the narrative unfolds under Nitesh Tiwari's direction. The adaptation of 'Ramayana' holds significant cultural and cinematic importance, promising to bring a timeless epic to a new generation of viewers while navigating the complexities of casting and audience expectations.