Mukesh Khanna Voices Skepticism Over Ranbir Kapoor’s Transition from “Animal” to Maryada Purushottam in Ramayana

Veteran actor questions whether Ranbir Kapoor’s action-packed first look can align with the revered, idealistic image of Lord Ram amid the film’s escalating hype, budget, and cultural scrutiny.

Bollywood anticipation is soaring as Ranbir Kapoor prepares to portray Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious mythological epic Ramayana. The first glimpse, released in July, showcases high-end visual effects and powerful action sequences, generating immense excitement among fans.

However, Mukesh Khanna, best known for his iconic role as Bhishma Pitamah in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat, has voiced doubts about whether Ranbir can convincingly embody Maryada Purushottam — the ideal man symbolizing dignity, restraint, and moral perfection.

Khanna’s concerns stem from the teaser’s portrayal of Ram as a warrior, seen climbing trees and firing arrows — traits he believes are more fitting for characters like Krishna or Arjuna. “If you depict Rama as a yodha (warrior), people won’t accept it. This can create problems,” he warned. According to Khanna, Lord Ram’s leadership was defined not by physical dominance alone but by virtue, compassion, and reliance on allies like Hanuman and the Vanara Sena during the battle against Ravana.

The veteran actor revealed he initially thought the teaser was AI-generated and refrained from posting his reaction. Upon learning it was part of the official preview, he was asked to comment on Ranbir’s casting, especially in light of the actor’s earlier admission of eating beef and his intense role in Animal. Khanna chose not to pass judgment on personal lifestyle choices, saying Ranbir may have changed since then.

Khanna also stressed that Ramayana’s success won’t hinge on its massive reported budget but on strong storytelling and respectful adaptation. Drawing comparisons to Adipurush, he warned that even grand visuals cannot compensate for weak content.

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