Ranbir Kapoor Continues Kapoor Legacy as Lord Ram in Epic 'Ramayana'

Bollywood star takes on iconic role, following in footsteps of great-grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:57am

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An extreme close-up of a luxurious, glittering sari fabric in dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting, capturing the opulent, celestial essence of the Ramayana epic.The lavish, shimmering textures of traditional Indian textiles evoke the grandeur and spiritual resonance of the Ramayana, as Ranbir Kapoor steps into the iconic role of Lord Ram.Denver Today

Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor is set to portray the role of Lord Ram in the upcoming magnum opus film 'Ramayana', directed by Nitesh Tiwari. This casting choice carries a deep legacy, as Kapoor's great-grandfather, the legendary Prithviraj Kapoor, played the same iconic character in the 1934 Bengali film 'Seeta'. The recently released teaser has generated immense anticipation, showcasing Kapoor's regal and celestial portrayal of the revered Hindu deity.

Why it matters

The casting of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram in 'Ramayana' not only continues a family tradition but also highlights the cultural significance of this epic tale. With a staggering budget of Rs 4,000 crore, the film is poised to be the largest ever made in India, reflecting the ambition of producer Namit Malhotra to create a global cinematic experience that empowers and inspires audiences worldwide.

The details

Ranbir Kapoor initially felt hesitant about taking on the role, unsure if he was 'perfect' for it. However, this changed as he recognized the opportunity for personal growth and the coincidence of becoming a father for the first time, which he sees as a life-changing event that resonates with the character's journey. The film also boasts a collaboration between music maestros A.R. Rahman and Oscar-winner Hans Zimmer, adding to the anticipation for a sensory cinematic experience.

  • The 1934 Bengali film 'Seeta', directed by Debaki Bose, featured Prithviraj Kapoor as Lord Ram and was the first Indian talkie to be showcased at an international film festival, the 2nd Venice International Film Festival.
  • The recently released teaser of 'Ramayana' has set the stage for the upcoming film's release.

The players

Ranbir Kapoor

A Bollywood superstar who is set to portray the role of Lord Ram in the upcoming film 'Ramayana', continuing a family legacy started by his great-grandfather, Prithviraj Kapoor.

Prithviraj Kapoor

Ranbir Kapoor's great-grandfather, who played the role of Lord Ram in the 1934 Bengali film 'Seeta', which was the first Indian talkie to be showcased at an international film festival.

Nitesh Tiwari

The director of the upcoming film 'Ramayana', which features Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role of Lord Ram.

Namit Malhotra

The producer of 'Ramayana', who has a vision to create a global epic that does justice to the grandeur of the Ramayana and enhance and empower humanity through its timeless message.

A.R. Rahman

The renowned Indian music composer who is collaborating with Oscar-winner Hans Zimmer for the music of 'Ramayana'.

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What they’re saying

“Initially, I felt I wasn't 'perfect' for the role, but this fear transformed into gratitude as I recognized the opportunity for personal growth and a chance to embody a character that coincided with my own life-changing event - becoming a father for the first time.”

— Ranbir Kapoor, Actor

“Ramayana is not just a film but a cultural phenomenon. With a staggering budget of Rs 4,000 crore, it is the largest film ever made in India and perhaps the world. My ambition is to create a global epic that does justice to the grandeur of the Ramayana and enhance and empower humanity through its timeless message.”

— Namit Malhotra, Producer

What’s next

The release of the 'Ramayana' teaser has generated immense anticipation, and fans eagerly await the film's premiere, which is expected to be a landmark event in Indian cinema.

The takeaway

Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Lord Ram in 'Ramayana' not only continues a family legacy but also highlights the cultural significance of this epic tale. The film's grand scale and ambitious vision to create a global cinematic experience that empowers and inspires audiences worldwide make it a highly anticipated event in the world of Indian cinema.