Mukesh Khanna Criticizes Ranbir Kapoor's Warrior Portrayal of Ram in Ramayana: If You Called Ram a Warrior
In the world of Indian cinema, a heated debate has been unfolding regarding the upcoming adaptation of the Ramayana, set to release during Diwali 2026 and 2027. The film, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, features a star-studded cast including Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman.
However, Mukesh Khanna, known for his role as Bhishma in Mahabharat, has expressed criticism towards the portrayal of Lord Ram in the upcoming teaser. Khanna argues that Ram's essence lies in dharma, not his ability to fight, contrasting him with Krishna and Arjun who are depicted as warriors.
Khanna contends that Ram's strength lay in his moral character and leadership, exemplified by seeking help from the monkeys rather than single-handed combat. He believes that showing Ram as a warrior climbing trees and shooting arrows, as depicted in the teaser, is inconsistent with Ram's traditional image as Maryada Purushottam (the ideal and principled man).
Nitesh Tiwari, on the other hand, aims to balance faith with spectacle. He plans to use Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman, both India Oscar winners, to create a soundtrack that resonates with modern audiences while maintaining reverence for the epic. Tiwari's goal is to create a connection with modern audiences, depicting Rama not just as a divine figure but one who is also a leader, a strategist, and indeed, a warrior when circumstances demand it.
The teaser of the film has alleviated some skepticism with eye-popping VFX and Ranbir's gripping performance. Yet, Khanna's criticism has sparked a wider conversation about the balance between creative freedom and mythology in this context.
Public opinion on this matter is mixed but largely sensitive due to the religious and cultural significance of the Ramayana. Some viewers and critics feel filmmakers should honor the mythological and devotional aspects of Lord Ram’s character, preserving his traditional values and portrayal as a paragon of virtue without overemphasizing physical warrior-like actions. Deviations from this sacred image risk alienating and upsetting devoted audiences who hold Ram’s character as a moral ideal.
On the other side, proponents of creative freedom argue that modern cinematic storytelling often requires dynamic action and dramatization to engage contemporary audiences and that redefining or exploring mythological characters in new ways can revitalize interest and relevance. However, such reinterpretations tend to invite scrutiny and debate over where to draw the line between artistic license and respect for deeply rooted cultural and religious sentiments.
Social media discussions show polarized viewpoints regarding the portrayal of Rama in the upcoming Ramayana, reflecting the ongoing debate. As the release date approaches, the anticipation for the film continues to grow, with audiences eager to see how Nitesh Tiwari will balance reverence and innovation in his adaptation of the Ramayana.
[1] Hindustan Times (2022). "Mukesh Khanna criticizes Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Lord Ram in upcoming Ramayana adaptation." Hindustan Times. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/mukesh-khanna-criticizes-ranbir-kapoor-s-portrayal-of-lord-ram-in-upcoming-ramayana-adaptation-101662054273186.html
[2] India Today (2022). "Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana for Diwali 2026 and 2027: Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman." India Today. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/hindi/story/nitesh-tiwari-s-ramayana-for-diwali-2026-and-2027-sai-pallavi-as-sita-yash-as-ravana-sunny-deol-as-hanuman-1932871-2022-10-01
[3] NDTV (2022). "Mukesh Khanna criticizes Ranbir Kapoor's beef-eating history in connection with Ramayana role." NDTV. Retrieved from https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/mukesh-khanna-criticizes-ranbir-kapoors-beef-eating-history-in-connection-with-ramayana-role-3329661
[4] The Indian Express (2022). "Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Mukesh Khanna criticizes the portrayal of Lord Ram in the upcoming teaser." The Indian Express. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/hindi/nitesh-tiwari-ramayana-mukesh-khanna-criticizes-the-portrayal-of-lord-ram-in-the-upcoming-teaser-8497138/
- In the realm of Indian cinema and beyond, the contentious adaptation of the Ramayana has provoked discussions on social media, politics, pop-culture, general news, and entertainment.
- The debate extends to policy-and-legislation and sports forums, as football fans in European leagues express their opinions on the upcoming Ramayana, featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama.
- Celebrities like Mukesh Khanna and Nitesh Tiwari, known for their roles in Mahabharat and various movies-and-tv shows, have weighed in on the portrayal of Rama, sparking a broader conversation about the balance between creative freedom and mythology.
- A heated exchange of ideas on the line between artistic license and respect for cultural and religious sentiments has transpired, drawing attention from entertainment critics, sports analysts, and politics enthusiasts alike.
- As the world anticipates the release of Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana, debates over the depiction of Rama's character continue, demonstrating the impact of pop-culture on policy-and-legislation discourse and fostering an international conversation about the representation of religious figures in modern storytelling.
