Ramanand Sagar’s grandson and producer-director Shiv Sagar says he cannot accept Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming Ramayana. Speaking to reporters, he explains that, after Ranbir’s portrayal in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal, audiences may find it difficult to separate the actor’s image from the revered character of Ram.
Sagar says he does not doubt Ranbir Kapoor’s acting ability and emphasizes that his comments are not an attack on the actor. He suggests the filmmakers likely cast Ranbir to leverage a marketing push and wider attention. At the same time, he argues that roles like Ramayan’s central figure benefit from a “fresh face,” comparing this to casting approaches in television serials where new performers are used to avoid prior “baggage.”
Across the outlets, Sagar also points to what he considers stronger choices among the cast, including Yash and Sai Pallavi, and says the final verdict belongs to the public, which will determine whether the casting and other creative elements work for viewers.
