Sunil Lahri backs Ranbir Kapoor's 'Ramayana' but flags music disappointment
Synopsis
The original TV Lakshman has blessed Nitesh Tiwari's big-screen 'Ramayana' — but with a pointed caveat. Sunil Lahri says the A. R. Rahman–Hans Zimmer soundtrack missed the local cultural soul of Mithila and Ayodhya, even as he prays for the film's commercial success, acknowledging that countless livelihoods ride on it.
Key Takeaways
Sunil Lahri , who played Lakshman in the original 'Ramayan' TV series, has publicly backed the upcoming Ranbir Kapoor -starrer 'Ramayana' .
Lahri expressed disappointment with the film's music, saying certain songs lacked the local flavour of Mithila and Ayodhya .
The film's score is a collaboration between A.
Rahman and Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer .
Lahri praised director Nitesh Tiwari , calling him 'a very good director' with a strong track record.
He stressed the film's commercial importance, noting that 'many people's livelihoods depend on this film.'
Actor Sunil Lahri, best known for portraying Lakshman in the iconic television series 'Ramayan', has come out in support of the upcoming Ranbir Kapoor-starrer 'Ramayana', even as the big-budget film faces a wave of criticism over its casting, visual effects, and soundtrack. Lahri, however, drew a clear line: while he expressed faith in the film's overall potential, he admitted that the music had left him underwhelmed — a significant concern given the high-profile collaboration between composers A. R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer.
Lahri's Support for Director Nitesh Tiwari
On Tuesday, Lahri shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) addressing the swirling debate around the film. Underlining his own limitations, he said, 'I haven't seen the film. I am neither a researcher nor an authority on this topic. How can I be a critic of the epic?' Despite not having viewed the film, Lahri vouched for director Nitesh Tiwari, calling him 'a very good director' who has a strong track record. 'They have come together, worked hard, and made a very good film,' he said, referring to the cast and crew.
Where the Music Fell Short, According to Lahri
Lahri reserved his sharpest critique for the film's soundtrack. He said that certain sounds in some of the songs had 'disappointed me a bit,' specifically pointing to the absence of regional flavour. 'The local flavour, whether it's from Mithila or Ayodhya, should be present in the music behind those songs,' he noted. The remark carries weight, given that music — as Lahri himself observed — serves as 'the backbone' of any retelling of this epic. The criticism is notable considering the film pairs Rahman, widely regarded as one of India's greatest film composers, with Zimmer, the Hollywood legend behind scores for films like The Lion King and Inception.
The Broader Context: Growing Scrutiny Around 'Ramayana'
The film, directed by Tiwari and starring Ranbir Kapoor in the role of Ram, has been under intense public and critical scrutiny. Concerns have been raised about casting choices, the authenticity of the VFX, and now the musical treatment of a deeply sacred subject. This comes amid heightened sensitivity around mythological adaptations in India, where audience expectations are shaped not just by cinematic standards but by cultural and religious reverence. Notably, Lahri himself was part of the original Ramanand Sagar-directed 'Ramayan' in the late 1980s — a production that became a cultural landmark — which gives his commentary particular resonance.
Lahri's Closing Appeal
Lahri ended his video on a conciliatory note, expressing gratitude to the entire team and urging the film's success. 'It's a picture with a very big budget, its success is essential because many people's livelihoods depend on this film. Jai Shri Ram,' he said. The statement underlines the commercial stakes involved: 'Ramayana' is widely believed to be one of the most expensive Indian films ever made, and its box-office performance will have ripple effects across the industry.
Point of View
Between global prestige and local authenticity, is the central tension in every contemporary mythological adaptation, and no amount of star power or Hollywood collaboration automatically resolves it. If the original 'Ramayan' cast is already voicing reservations before release, the makers may need to address the music question head-on rather than let it fester into a cultural flashpoint.
NationPress
4 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sunil Lahri and why does his opinion on 'Ramayana' matter?
Sunil Lahri is the actor who played Lakshman in Ramanand Sagar's iconic late-1980s television series 'Ramayan', one of the most-watched shows in Indian broadcasting history. His connection to the original production gives his views on the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer particular cultural weight, especially amid ongoing debate about the film's authenticity.
What did Sunil Lahri say about the music of 'Ramayana'?
Lahri said that some sounds in certain songs had 'disappointed me a bit,' specifically noting that the local flavour of Mithila and Ayodhya was missing from the soundtrack. He described music as 'the backbone' of any retelling of the epic, making his criticism especially pointed.
Who has composed the music for the Ranbir Kapoor 'Ramayana' film?
The film's score is a collaboration between Indian composer A. R. Rahman and Hollywood legend Hans Zimmer. Despite the high-profile pairing, Lahri expressed that the music did not fully meet his expectations in terms of regional cultural authenticity.
Did Sunil Lahri overall support or oppose the upcoming 'Ramayana' film?
Lahri largely supported the film, expressing faith in director Nitesh Tiwari and the entire cast and crew. He said he has 'complete faith' the team has made a very good film and even prayed for its commercial success, while flagging his specific reservation about the music.
What controversies surround the Ranbir Kapoor 'Ramayana' before its release?
The film has faced criticism on multiple fronts, including its casting choices, the quality of its visual effects, and the treatment of its music. Lahri's remarks add to growing public debate around whether the big-budget production adequately captures the cultural and emotional depth of the original epic.
