The Epic Saga of Ramayana: A Concern for the Ages

As the world waits with bated breath for the release of Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana in 2026, a concern has been raised by none other than Arun Govil, the legendary actor who portrayed Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic Ramayan. In a recent conversation with NDTV, Govil expressed his doubts about the suitability of today’s actors to play the revered role of Lord Ram. "I don’t think anyone is suitable," he said, sending shockwaves across the film fraternity.

A Legacy of Excellence

Arun Govil’s statement has sparked a heated debate online, with many fans expressing concerns about Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, where Ranbir Kapoor will be seen in the role of Lord Ram. Govil’s reservations are not unfounded, given the iconic status of Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan, which has been etched in the hearts of millions of Indians. The original series, which aired in the late 1980s, was a cultural phenomenon that brought the nation together, and its impact is still felt today.

The Challenge of Recreating a Classic

Govil’s concerns are rooted in the fact that several attempts have been made to recreate the magic of Ramayan, but none have been successful. "Three-four people tried recreating it, but they were not successful," he said. "I don’t think in our lifetime someone should try to recreate Ramayan." These words carry significant weight, coming from an actor who has been an integral part of the Ramayan legacy. The pressure to live up to the expectations of the original series is immense, and Govil’s doubts about the current crop of actors are understandable.

The Cast of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana

The upcoming Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, boasts an impressive cast, including Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, Lara Dutta as Kaykay, and KGF fame Yash as Ravana. Yash is also co-producing the film along with Namit Malhotra. Other notable actors expected to star in the film include Rakul Preet Singh, Anil Kapoor, Kunal Kapoor, and Amitabh Bachchan. The film is slated to release in two parts on Diwali 2026 and 2027, respectively.

The Burden of Expectations

The success of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana hinges on its ability to live up to the expectations of the original series. The film’s makers have a daunting task ahead of them, as they strive to recreate the magic of Ramayan while introducing the epic saga to a new generation of audiences. The pressure to deliver a masterpiece is palpable, and Arun Govil’s concerns have added to the anticipation surrounding the film.

A Lesson from the Past

The recent release of Om Raut’s Adipurush, a retelling of Ramayana, serves as a cautionary tale. The film, which starred Prabhas as Lord Ram, was met with widespread criticism for its poor VFX and colloquial language. The film’s failure to impress audiences is a reminder of the challenges involved in recreating a classic like Ramayan. The makers of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana would do well to learn from the mistakes of the past and strive to create a film that is true to the spirit of the original series.

Conclusion

The debate surrounding Arun Govil’s concerns about the suitability of today’s actors to play Lord Ram has sparked a necessary conversation about the challenges involved in recreating a classic like Ramayan. As the release of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana draws near, the film’s makers must be aware of the burden of expectations that rests on their shoulders. The success of the film depends on its ability to live up to the legacy of Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan, and the cast and crew must be prepared to put in the hard work and dedication required to create a masterpiece that will be remembered for generations to come.

Content originally published by indianexpress.com