Ramayana: Ranbir Recalls Being Approached For Nitesh Tiwari's Film; Says 'My First Instinct Was Fear & Doubt

Actor Ranbir Kapoor says he was filled with "fear and doubt" when producer Namit Malhotra first approached him to play lord Ram in "Ramayana" but he soon realised that it was the opportunity of a lifetime. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film features Yash as Ravana and Sai Pallavi as Sita alongside Kapoor. The actor, Yash, Tiwari and Malhotra attended the San Diego Comic Con to promote the movie internationally.

"The first time Namit spoke about the fact that he was making 'Ramayana' and he offered me the part of Lord Ram, my first instinct was fear and doubt...Am I capable enough ? Was I good enough. I think that doubt quickly changed into gratitude... It is an opportunity of a lifetime," he said in an interview with IGN. Ranbir said every Indian has grown up with the stories of "Ramayana" and he is confident that the story will appeal to the international audience.

"We have grown up with the story of 'Ramayana', with the teachings of Lord Ram and the characters... At this phase of my life, I was given an opportunity to change myself as a person for the better. I became a father for the first time, so I think telling my daughter the stories about the 'Ramayana' and learn more deeply about what it actually means. I had a very different understanding of the 'Ramayana'. I deeply understood the spirituality of it," he added.

"KGF" star Yash, who plays the role of Ravana in the movie, credited the makers for giving him the space to play the character in a different way. "Taking the role was an exciting part because as a kid I would listen to these stories, and so many people have depicted it in so many ways. So what you bring as an actor is your understanding of the character, and I think that was challenging, and I think my director and the writers have kind of given me this space so I could play this character in a very different way. It was very exciting and challenging also," he added.

The film will release in two parts with the first installment slated to arrive in theatres during Diwali 2026. The movie also features Ravi Dubey, Vivek Oberoi and Arun Govil among others. Reportedly made on the Rs 4000 crore, "Ramayana" will be globally distributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment.