Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna has shared his reservations about the portrayal of Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming mythological epic Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, starring Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role. Khanna, known for his roles as Shaktimaan and Bhishma Pitamah, questioned the action-heavy treatment and visual effects shown in the film’s promotional material.
Mukesh Khanna Questions ‘Ramayana’ Action Sequences
In a recent interview with Bollyywood Now on YouTube, Mukesh Khanna spoke about his concerns regarding the presentation of Lord Ram in the upcoming film. He said, “Aapne unko Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth bana diya hai. Nahin sahab, Ram Ram hai. Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram.”
Khanna argued that the character appears to have been presented more like a conventional action hero rather than focusing on the qualities traditionally associated with Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram.
He also referred to a scene reportedly showing Lord Ram climbing a tree while shooting arrows. According to Khanna, such an action does not reflect the way the character has traditionally been portrayed in the epic. He further questioned the need for an action-heavy portrayal by asking why Lord Ram would have required the Vanar Sena if he had fought in such a manner.
Mukesh Khanna On The Film’s Visual Effects
Khanna also expressed reservations about the extensive use of visual effects in the film. He suggested that while large-scale visual spectacles may appeal to international audiences, Indian audiences connect with the Ramayana through faith and cultural understanding.
He compared the approach with the kind of visual spectacle associated with films such as Star Wars, arguing that the cultural and devotional connection with the Ramayana should remain central to its portrayal.
Ranbir Kapoor As Lord Ram In ‘Ramayana’
Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Ram in Ramayana: Rise of a Legend and has previously described taking on the role as a significant responsibility. Director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra have also said that Kapoor was their “only choice” for the part.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, known for Dangal and Chhichhore, the ambitious two-part mythological epic features an ensemble cast. Sai Pallavi plays Sita, Yash portrays Ravana, Sunny Deol appears as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey plays Lakshman. Arun Govil, who famously portrayed Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan, will be seen as Dashrath.
The musical score for the two-part project is being created through a collaboration between Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman.
‘Ramayana: Rise of a Legend’ Release And Production Details
Ramayana: Rise of a Legend is scheduled to release worldwide in theatres on November 6, 2026. The two-part project reportedly carries a budget of INR 4,000 crore, including marketing expenses.
Filming began in April 2024 and was completed in July 2025. With anticipation surrounding the upcoming adaptation, Mukesh Khanna’s comments have added another perspective to the ongoing conversation about the film’s portrayal of the revered epic.