'Ram looks zero strong': Mukesh Khanna criticises Ranbir Kapoor's 'Ramayana' portrayal

Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna has criticised Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming film ‘Ramayana’, questioning whether the actor has captured the character's traditional grace and composure. While acknowledging Kapoor's performance, Khanna said the portrayal reminded him more of a conventional Hindi film warrior than the revered figure from the Hindu epic. 

In an interview with ANI, Khanna also raised concerns about the film's creative interpretation of the Ramayana, arguing that its elaborate production and commercial ambitions should not overshadow the original story. He maintained that filmmakers adapting religious and mythological works have a responsibility to preserve their authenticity rather than introduce changes for cinematic appeal.

Mukesh Khanna questions Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Lord Rama

Khanna said his primary concern was not the film's box-office performance but whether its makers had remained faithful to the source material. He pointed out that the Ramayana holds a significance that goes beyond ordinary storytelling and should not be altered to suit commercial interests.

"A very prominent actor from our film industry remarked that a film like this hasn’t been made in the last 100 years. I suppose it must be that good. But here’s the issue: it doesn’t matter to me whether you’ve earned a thousand crores. What matters is whether you’ve concealed even a shred of the truth, or if you’ve introduced even a shred of falsehood. This isn’t just any ordinary story; it is the story of the Ramayana," Khanna said.

He also questioned whether the film needed such a massive budget to make the epic accessible to present-day audiences. According to the actor, the emotional strength of the original narrative should have been sufficient to engage viewers.

"The Ramayana is hardly a boring story that requires a Rs 4,000-crore budget just to make it accessible to today’s audience. If the Rs 4,000-crore expenditure ends up overshadowing the story itself, then I would call it a waste of money. As I stated earlier, in the pursuit of grandeur, the essence, the emotions, have been sacrificed," he remarked.

Khanna compares Ranbir Kapoor's performance with Arun Govil's Ram

Speaking specifically about Kapoor's performance, Khanna acknowledged the actor's efforts but felt that his portrayal lacked the qualities traditionally associated with Lord Rama. He observed that Kapoor's body language and dialogue delivery appeared more suited to an action-oriented warrior than the composed and dignified character described in the epic.

"People don't see you as Ram. At least I didn't feel so. Ranbir Kapoor has done a good job. But it seems like Ranbir Kapoor is fighting in a Hindi film. Ram looks zero strong when compared with Ravan in the film. But when you are playing the role of Ram, you should look like Ram. You don't look like Ram, and you are not speaking in Ram's style. You are speaking in the style of a warrior," he said.

To explain his expectations, Khanna cited Arun Govil's portrayal of Lord Rama in Ramanand Sagar's television adaptation of 'Ramayan'. He said the character was defined by restraint and serenity rather than physical strength or aggression.

"Ram was not a warrior. Ram was Maryada Purushottam. There was a calmness in his speech. Arun Govil caught it. He played Ramayana with a smile," Khanna stated.

Govil, who became widely recognised for playing Lord Rama in the television series, appears as King Dashrath in Tiwari's film. Khanna also praised his performance in the upcoming adaptation, noting that the actor had been given scenes that enabled him to deliver an effective portrayal.

Mukesh Khanna calls for a separate committee to review mythological films

Beyond the performances and filmmaking choices, Khanna questioned whether the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) was adequately equipped to examine cinematic portrayals of religious and mythological subjects.

He proposed establishing an independent committee of scholars to review projects based on historical and mythological figures before production moves forward. He said such a body could help filmmakers avoid representations that might offend religious sentiments.

"I believe the Censor Board is not responsible enough to stop such films. A dedicated commission should be established. Anyone wishing to make a film based on historical or mythological subjects, whether it concerns the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, or even a figure like Lord Ganesha, must be required to have their project reviewed and approved by a committee of scholars," he said.

Khanna further argued that a panel of experts could prevent inappropriate creative interpretations of religious characters, particularly when they involve revered figures from Hindu mythology.

"If such a committee exists, there would be no need for me to speak out, as they would ensure that inappropriate scenes, such as depicting Goddess Sita engaged in a fight, are never included. Matters of religion and faith are at stake here; one cannot simply toy with someone’s religion," Khanna added.

About Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana'

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, 'Ramayana: Part 1' marks the beginning of a two-part adaptation of the ancient Indian epic. The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Hanuman.