Lahri was careful to say Ranbir looks alright in the teaser, but that the “innocence is a little less.” He explained that previous Ramas were known for being patient, calm and composed, and that didn’t come across in the teaser.
Sunil Lahri’s critique of Ranbir Kapoor’s Rama look
He went on to say Ranbir looks “a little harsh,” and would perhaps be more suited to the roles of Lakshman or Bharat. In fact, Lahri thinks a new actor, one who isn’t already strongly associated with other roles or any controversies, often fits a role like Rama more easily.
Context: the Ramayana teaser and audience reaction
The official first look at Ramayana (the teaser) had very impressive visuals and got people to react strongly. Some people liked the film’s ambition, how big it is, and the quality of the production, but others didn’t like the computer generated images and special effects in the short preview.
Social media made the disagreement even more obvious. Fans argued about Ranbir Kapoor being chosen, the way the film looks, and if the teaser is a fair indication of the complicated story. Importantly, the teaser is just a first impression, and many people think the acting and the story will develop and change as you watch the whole film.
Questions raised by Ranbir Kapoor’s recent screen image
Because Ranbir was recently in a very intense, violent movie, people have questioned if he can realistically play Rama, who is usually a calm and godly character. Lahri shares that thought, pointing out the difference between a modern, edgy image and the peaceful moral authority Rama is traditionally known for.
However, Lahri does believe in Ranbir’s skill as an actor. He says Ranbir could make the role work through his performance. When an actor goes against what people expect of them, it can be successful if they show depth and control in the part.
Casting debate and the value of a fresh face
Lahri emphasized that a new actor, without a lot of previous associations or scandals, can often be perfect for roles in mythology. He believes that it helps the audience believe in the character without bringing expectations from other work the actor has done.
This idea is part of a larger conversation in the film industry about typecasting (always having actors play similar roles), how actors build their public image, and what audiences expect. For big adaptations of ancient myths, a balance between a famous actor and making sure the character feels true to the story is important to many viewers.
Star-studded cast and what to expect from the film
Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. Several other popular actors will also be in important supporting roles.
Ramayana: Part One will be released for Diwali in t2026, and Part Two for Diwali in 2027. The people making the movie are presenting it as a huge, worldwide event that will depend on the popularity of the actors and the grand scale of the filmmaking.
What Lahri’s comments mean for audience expectations
Experienced actors giving their opinions on major movies can influence what audiences think of them at first. Lahri’s criticism shows the feelings many viewers have about what a Rama from mythology should be like: innocent, patient, and inwardly peaceful.
But, a teaser doesn’t show you everything. Both fans and critics are probably holding back their full judgment until they’ve seen the full acting and the story in its full context. The complete film might completely change our first thoughts and show different parts of Ranbir’s performance.
Sunil Lahri’s views connect to a broader discussion of how movies now adapt stories that people have respected for a long time. As the Ramayana project goes forward, we’ll likely continue to argue about the casting, the visuals, and the overall mood of the film, and people will be watching carefully when Part One comes out at Diwali.
