Arun Govil Backs Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram
Veteran actor Arun Govil, widely recognized for his iconic portrayal of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan, has recently shared his strong endorsement for Ranbir Kapoor's upcoming depiction of the deity in a new film adaptation. Govil emphasized that to convincingly play a god on screen, one must possess both acting talent and a pure heart. This sentiment resonates deeply in Indian culture, where the portrayal of divine characters carries immense significance.
The upcoming film, directed by the acclaimed Nitesh Tiwari, promises to be an ambitious cinematic event. It boasts a stellar cast, including Yash in the role of Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, and Sunny Deol portraying Lord Hanuman. Govil, who is set to play King Dasharatha, expressed his admiration for the film's quality and the hard work put in by the entire team.
During a recent event, Govil remarked, “The Ramayana by Nitesh Tiwari looks very good. The main actor, Ranbir Kapoor, is looking very good as Lord Ram. He is a good actor and a good human being.” His words reflect the belief that an actor’s character must resonate with the divine to truly embody such roles.
In the Indian context, the portrayal of Lord Ram is a deeply revered subject, making it critical for actors to not only act well but also to physically and spiritually represent the character. Govil highlighted the importance of an actor's appearance, stating, “When people see you, they should see God in you.” This perspective underscores the cultural weight carried by such portrayals in Indian cinema.
Govil also addressed the inevitable comparisons between different adaptations of the Ramayana, noting that the impact of Ramanand Sagar’s classic series continues to influence audiences. He stated, “Comparisons are always made when a standard is set.” However, he believes that each adaptation should be judged on its own merits.
Furthermore, he dismissed any comparisons between the upcoming Ramayana and the 2022 film Adipurush, which received criticism for its presentation of iconic characters and visual effects. Govil remarked, “There is a lot of difference between Ramayana and Adipurush,” emphasizing the unique vision and approach taken in Tiwari’s adaptation.
As anticipation builds for the film, which is set to release in IMAX during Diwali 2026, audiences are eager to see how this new rendition of the Ramayana will unfold. With Govil's endorsement and a talented cast, this adaptation aims to capture the essence of one of India's most cherished epics.
