Sunil Lahri, who is fondly remembered for playing Lakshman in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic Ramayan (1987), has shared his honest and balanced opinion on Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming Ramayana.
Lahri acknowledged Ranbir Kapoor as a highly talented and versatile actor, but admitted that he has mixed feelings about the casting choice. According to him, Ranbir appears to lack the “innocence, patience, and calmness” that audiences traditionally associate with Lord Rama. He noted that Ranbir’s screen presence can sometimes feel slightly harsh, which, in his view, may make him more suitable for characters like Lakshman or Bharat rather than the serene and composed image of Lord Rama.
The Effect of Animal on Ramayana
One of Lahri’s main concerns is the timing of this role in Ranbir’s career. Given his recent portrayal of an intense and violent character in Animal, he anticipates viewers might struggle to quickly embrace him in the role of a serene, godly figure. This shift in image, he suggests, could influence the public’s first reactions to the movie.
At the same time, Lahri was careful not to dismiss Ranbir’s potential. He expressed confidence in the actor’s ability to justify the role through his performance, highlighting Ranbir’s proven versatility and acting strength. He also mentioned that a fresh face, without any strong pre-existing screen image, might have been an ideal choice for a character as iconic and emotionally rooted as Lord Rama.
Lahri Sounds Hopeful About the Overall Content
Regarding the Ramayana teaser, Lahri mentioned some aspects that bothered him, but he refrained from harshly evaluating the visual effects, noting it’s just a preview and the finished product could be improved. His reaction demonstrates guarded hope instead of negative remarks.
As the teaser provokes varied responses online, Sunil Lahri’s statements have introduced a new dimension to the discussions about this highly anticipated Indian movie. Some audience members echo his reservations, while others maintain that Ranbir Kapoor’s talent could result in a truly remarkable performance.