Tarun Khanna backs Ranbir Kapoor for 'Ramayana' role, cites his dedication to craft
Synopsis
Tarun Khanna's endorsement of Ranbir Kapoor for the Lord Ram role carries weight — he's seen the actor's preparation firsthand, including attendance at his own play. With Yash as Raavana and a star-studded ensemble, Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana' is shaping up as Hindi cinema's most ambitious mythological adaptation, blending classical storytelling with contemporary filmmaking technology.
Key Takeaways
Tarun Khanna , known for playing Lord Mahadev , expressed confidence in Ranbir Kapoor delivering justice to the Lord Ram role in "Ramayana" .
Kapoor attended Khanna's play "Hamare Ram" as part of his preparation for the mythological drama.
The cast includes Yash as Raavana , Sai Pallavi as Sita , Sunny Deol as Hanuman , and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman .
The film is produced by Prime Focus Studios , DNEG (8-time Oscar winner), and Monster Mind Creations .
Yash highlighted the universal appeal and timeless substance of the Ramayana narrative at CinemaCon 2026 .
Tarun Khanna, a prominent television actor renowned for his portrayals of mythological characters including Lord Mahadev, has expressed confidence in Ranbir Kapoor's ability to deliver a compelling performance as Lord Ram in director Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming epic drama "Ramayana". Speaking during an exclusive interaction, Khanna highlighted Kapoor's credentials as one of contemporary cinema's finest actors and underscored his meticulous approach to the demanding role.
Khanna's assessment of Kapoor's preparation
When asked about his views on Kapoor's casting, Tarun Khanna told IANS: "I prefer not to judge based on a teaser alone. However, Ranbir Kapoor is one of the finest actors of our generation. I am confident he must have approached the role thoughtfully. I admire his dedication—he even attended my play Hamare Ram as part of his preparation. I respect him a lot and believe he will do justice to the role."
The broader cast and production scale
The mythological drama features Yash, known for the KGF franchise, in the role of Raavana. The ensemble also includes Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. The project is produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios in partnership with 8-time Oscar-winning DNEG and Yash's Monster Mind Creations, indicating a substantial investment in visual and technical excellence.
Why the Ramayana narrative endures
Speaking at CinemaCon 2026, Yash articulated the timeless appeal of the source material. "Ramayana has a certain substance that stays with you for a long time," he remarked. "The very reason this story has endured for so long, and gone beyond boundaries, almost transcending cultures where people truly own it suggests there's something deeply universal about it."
Technology and cinematic immersion
Yash further noted the potential of modern filmmaking to enhance the audience experience. "Experiencing it on the big screen, with today's technology, could make it feel even more immersive and unique for audiences, something they can truly take in and enjoy the way it's meant to be seen," he added. This marks a significant moment for the mythological drama genre in Hindi cinema, where casting choices and production values are under heightened scrutiny ahead of release.
Point of View
The production values are world-class, yet mythological adaptations have a fraught track record in Hindi cinema. Substance, not scale, will determine whether this endures.
NationPress
6 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Tarun Khanna say about Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Ram?
Tarun Khanna expressed confidence that Ranbir Kapoor, whom he called one of the finest actors of his generation, will do justice to the Lord Ram role. He noted that Kapoor attended his play 'Hamare Ram' as part of his preparation and praised his dedication to the character.
Who else is cast in Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana'?
The ensemble includes Yash as Raavana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. The film is produced by Prime Focus Studios, DNEG, and Yash's Monster Mind Creations.
Why does Yash believe the Ramayana narrative has universal appeal?
At CinemaCon 2026, Yash stated that the Ramayana has endured for centuries and transcended cultural boundaries because it contains 'something deeply universal.' He emphasized that experiencing the story on the big screen with modern technology will make it more immersive for contemporary audiences.
Who is directing 'Ramayana'?
The film is being directed by Nitesh Tiwari, known for his work in cinema. The production involves multiple studios and Oscar-winning technical partners, signaling a large-scale cinematic undertaking.
