New Delhi: As Ranbir Kapoor’s intriguing first look as Lord Ram takes over social media, excitement around the film adaptation of the Ramayana continues to soar. The anticipation surrounding this project, in which the “Animal” star plays the revered deity, has been nothing short of extraordinary. Recently, casting director Mukesh Chhabra has further fueled this enthusiasm by revealing key casting details that have set the grapevine abuzz.
Mukesh Chhabra, in a conversation with the notable YouTuber and motivational speaker Ranveer Allahbadia, divulged that director Nitesh Tiwari was unequivocally certain about casting Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram right from the initial stages. According to Chhabra, “Bhai had decided to cast Ranbir very early in the process, and once you watch the film, you’ll see why it’s such apt casting. I think the actors I’ve worked with the most in my career are Ranbir and Rajkummar Rao. Nobody can beat Ranbir when it comes to acting… He’s very neutral about it. He doesn’t bother too much about hits and flops. All he’s concerned about is acting.”
This early decision by Tiwari underscores the confidence the makers have in Kapoor’s ability to bring Lord Ram to life on the big screen. Ranbir Kapoor’s dedication to his craft and his capability to seamlessly slip into any role he takes on are qualities that have continually set him apart as a top-tier actor in Bollywood.
The revelations didn’t end there. Chhabra also delved deep into the challenging yet rewarding process of casting Lakshman, Ram’s devoted brother. “We’ve found a lovely actor for Lakshman. A lot of people auditioned for the role. But I’m very happy with the actor we’ve gone with, this is going to be his first film in Bollywood,” he said. This new face in the industry has primarily worked in television and now embarks on his Bollywood journey with a role of immense cultural significance.
Chhabra admitted that the search for Lakshman was the longest and perhaps the most arduous part of their casting process.
. “It was the last role we cast. We’ve chosen a young actor who has worked a lot in television; he’s a lovely guy. We couldn’t have found a better Lakshman. I’m very happy that the people we’d initially approached all said no. Two or three people said no because they think that Ram and Lakshman will always have to be together,” Chhabra noted.
This intriguing bit about actors initially turning down the role adds to the narrative richness surrounding the making of this epic film. It indicates that the director and casting team were in pursuit of a very specific dynamic and chemistry that only the right pair could bring to the screen.
Apart from Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, the movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring some of the biggest names in the Indian film industry. Reportedly, seasoned actor Sunny Deol will portray Hanuman, Kannada cinema star Yash will take on the mighty role of Raavan, and the celebrated actress Sai Pallavi will be seen as Sita. This star-studded line-up promises a fresh yet grand portrayal of the ancient epic, expected to set the box office on fire.
Mukesh Chhabra emphasized that the stakes are incredibly high for this project, which not only requires powerful performances but also demands a respectful and authentic portrayal of these revered characters. The film promises to delve into the rich narrative of the Ramayana, bringing its timeless story and moral lessons to a contemporary audience while preserving its traditional essence.
“The cast has started shooting,” adds another layer of excitement as fans eagerly await more updates from the sets. The announcement of Lakshman’s role being filled by a promising newcomer only amplifies expectations, as viewers are keen to see a fresh talent bring his unique interpretation to such a beloved character.
Mukesh Chhabra’s insights not only provide a glimpse behind the scenes but also elevate the anticipation for the release of Ramayana. With the adept Nitesh Tiwari at the helm, who previously garnered immense acclaim for directing “Dangal,” this Ramayana adaptation holds the promise of being both a critical and commercial success.
As we await the unfolding of this cinematic retelling of the epic, it is clear that the film will not just be a visual treat but also an emotionally resonant experience, honoring the age-old story of virtue, duty, and the triumph of good over evil.
