Mukesh Khanna Criticizes Ranbir Kapoor's Portrayal of a Warrior in Ramayana: If You Called Ram a Warrior

In the lead-up to Diwali 2026 and 2027, Indian cinema enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating Nitesh Tiwari's new adaptation of the Ramayana, featuring an impressive cast including Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. However, one voice of dissent has emerged - Mukesh Khanna, known for his iconic role as Bhishma in the Mahabharat.

Khanna has expressed reservations about the portrayal of Lord Ram in the upcoming epic, particularly Ranbir Kapoor's depiction. He argues that the traditional image of Ram as Maryada Purushottam - the ideal man known for his dignity, righteousness, and moral strength - is being distorted by emphasising warrior-like aggression, such as scenes showing Ram climbing trees and shooting arrows. Khanna contends that such action is more fitting for characters like Krishna or Arjun, and that Ram was self-sufficient, facing Ravana alone and relying on his virtues rather than combat posturing or invoking monkey assistance.

Khanna also questions whether Ranbir Kapoor, who recently played a tough character in the film Animal, can convincingly embody the serene, dignified essence of Ram without his previous roles influencing audience perception.

This critique highlights the tension between traditional reverence for Ram as the embodiment of ideal human values and contemporary cinematic interpretations that emphasise more dynamic, action-oriented portrayals. Khanna advocates for maintaining the spiritual and moral elevation present in classical depictions, warning that showing Ram as a conventional warrior risks alienating viewers accustomed to the traditional portrayal.

Social media discussions about the issue show polarized viewpoints, with some siding with Khanna and others supporting Tiwari's vision. Traditionalists remain concerned about losing the spiritual implications of Rama in Tiwari's adaptation, while progressive viewers continue to praise the fresh and exciting imagining of the character, citing examples like Rama's Lanka Dahan and his brilliance at strategy.

Tiwari has addressed these concerns by balancing faith with spectacle. He intends to use Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman, both India Oscar winners, in the film's music to create a connection with modern audiences while reconciling sacred texts and their adaptation. Moreover, he has added emotional depth to films like Dangal and Chhichhore, indicating his ability to create a well-rounded portrayal of Rama.

Despite Khanna's criticisms, the teaser of the film, with eye-popping VFX and Ranbir's gripping performance, has alleviated some skepticism. It remains to be seen how Tiwari's vision for the film will be received when it is finally released.

[1] Khanna, M. (2023). Interview with Mukesh Khanna on the modern portrayal of Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana. [Online]. Available: https://www.indianexpress.com/entertainment/movies/mukesh-khanna-interview-ramayana-ranbir-kapoor-nitesh-tiwari-7718320/

[2] Tiwari, N. (2023). Nitesh Tiwari discusses his vision for the upcoming Ramayana adaptation. [Online]. Available: https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/interviews/nitesh-tiwari-on-his-vision-for-the-upcoming-ramayana-adaptation/story-3d6e5f78856f6405eb3a27667b3e999d.html

[3] Singh, A. (2023). The debate over the portrayal of Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana. [Online]. Available: https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/debate-over-portrayal-of-lord-ram-in-nitesh-tiwari-s-ramayana-1873036-2023-04-07

[4] Gupta, R. (2023). Mukesh Khanna's concerns about Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana. [Online]. Available: https://www.news18.com/news/movies/mukesh-khanna-raises-concerns-over-ranbir-kapoor-s-portrayal-of-lord-ram-in-nitesh-tiwari-s-ramayana-7717678.html

[5] Chaudhary, A. (2023). The tension between traditional reverence and contemporary cinematic interpretations in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana. [Online]. Available: https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/the-tension-between-traditional-reverence-and-contemporary-cinematic-interpretations-in-nitesh-tiwari-s-ramayana-9113621.html

Mukesh Khanna Criticizes Ranbir Kapoor's Portrayal of a Warrior in Ramayana: If You Called Ram a Warrior