Ramanand Sagar's grandson 'can't accept' Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram in Ramayana, praises Yash as Ravana and Sai Pallavi as Sita

Shiv Sagar, grandson of filmmaker Ramanand Sagar, has raised concerns over Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming two-part film Ramayana. While praising the actor’s ability, Shiv Sagar said he would have preferred a fresh face for the role, arguing that Kapoor’s previous characters, particularly his role in Animal, could influence how audiences view him as Ram, a TOI report stated. The producer-director said he otherwise likes much of the film’s casting, including Yash as Ravana and Sai Pallavi as Sita.

Also Read: Marry a working & frugal wife: Rs 5000-crore Thyrocare founder Velumani shares a must-do list for entrepreneurs who leave comfortable jobs to solve ‘world’s big problems’

Why Shiv Sagar is not convinced by Ranbir Kapoor as Ram

Shiv Sagar’s main concern is not about Kapoor’s acting ability but about the image an established actor brings to a role such as Lord Ram. He referred specifically to Kapoor’s performance in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal. According to Shiv Sagar, audiences may find it difficult to separate the actor from characters they have already seen him play.


"Except for that one casting, I like the rest of the casting very much. Personally, I cannot accept Ranbir Kapoor as Ram after Animal. When I look at Ram ji, I feel that a fresh face should have been taken. You can take a very strong supporting cast, like Yash is looking very good, Sai Pallavi is looking very good, they don't have that much baggage. He has a lot of baggage. That's why we usually take a new face in our serials, so they don't have any baggage or history."

Shiv Sagar says Ranbir Kapoor is a good actor

Shiv Sagar clarified that his reservations about the casting do not amount to a judgement on Ranbir Kapoor’s acting. He said Kapoor has played a range of characters and is a capable performer. At the same time, he suggested that the actor’s popularity could have been considered from a marketing perspective while putting together the film’s cast.

Also Read:Earn Rs 4 lakh for dancing at weddings: Aashiqui actor Rahul Roy shares life after brain stroke, legal fights and asset transfer to wife post-divorce

"We have seen Ranbir in different roles; he is a very good actor. Personally, I don't have anything against him. I think they must have taken him for the project because they want a marketing push, and maybe if they didn't take Ranbir, the film wouldn't have been marketed so well, so that's also something to think about, but I personally believe that for such characters, it's better to take a new face," he elaborated.

Why Animal matters in Ramayana casting

For Shiv Sagar, the issue goes beyond an actor’s earlier film roles. He said characters from the Ramayana have a different place in Indian society because people have a strong emotional and religious connection with them.

He again referred to Animal while explaining why he feels a new actor could have been a better choice for Ram.

Also Read: 'Hanuman Ansh' singer known for 'Maine Tere Hi Bharose' song used to sing on local trains while growing up and learnt music on his own by listening to Lata Mangeshkar songs

"Because after Ramayan, will he be accepted again in a film like Animal? Especially when it comes to Ram ji and Ramayan, people are a bit more touchy and emotional, and this is not mythology. In the West, we call it mythology; even in India, it is called mythology, but it is our history. People worship them every day; he (Ram) is our history," he added.

His comments also come in the context of his family’s association with Ramayan. His grandfather, Ramanand Sagar, created the television series that became one of the best-known screen adaptations of the epic.

Shiv Sagar praises Yash and Sai Pallavi

Although he questioned the choice of Ranbir Kapoor as Ram, Shiv Sagar said he was positive about other major casting decisions in the film.

He specifically praised Yash and Sai Pallavi. Yash plays Ravana, while Sai Pallavi takes on the role of Sita.

Shiv Sagar said actors without a strong association with earlier characters may allow viewers to approach their roles without the same kind of baggage.

The cast also includes Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, Ravi Dubey as Lord Lakshman, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi and Arun Govil as King Dashrath.

Arun Govil’s casting has drawn particular attention because he played Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s television series Ramayan. His presence therefore connects the new film with the earlier television adaptation.

Shiv Sagar says audience reaction will decide

Despite his concerns about some aspects of the film, Shiv Sagar said the audience will ultimately decide whether the casting and other creative choices succeed.

He also said he did not approve of some of the costumes and casting choices but maintained that the response from viewers would be the final measure.

"In reality, the public is the king, and whatever the public says will be the final verdict. I didn't like the casting and costumes of some parts; that could have been better," said Shiv Sagar.

Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled to release worldwide in theatres on November 6, 2026. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana.