Actor Ranbir Kapoor and director Nitesh Tiwari spoke about the emotional and creative journey behind their ambitious adaptation of the Ramayana, describing the film as one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives.Speaking to Top Film Magazine, the duo spoke about the responsibility of bringing the saga to the big screen, the years in the making and how the story transformed them personally.
“It was life-defining for me.”
Ranbir Kapoor admitted that tackling a revered story like the Ramayana initially filled him with fear and self-doubt.“Will I be able to get justice? Am I worthy enough?” He remembers thinking.However, the actor said those fears eventually turned into gratitude and personal growth.“I didn’t understand that it would be a career-defining move, but it definitely defined my life. It changed my life,” Ranbir said.The actor added that immersing himself in Lord Rama’s journey deeply influenced the way he views life, sacrifice and compassion.“I changed my value system, the way I look at life, the way I look at loss, the way I look at sacrifice, the way I look at dharma,” he said.
“Raha made me better and Ramayana wanted me to be better for the sake of comfort.”
Ranbir also emotionally linked the experience of working in the film to becoming a father to his daughter Raha.
“It was a beautiful coincidence in my life that Raha made me a better person and Ramayana wanted me to be a better person for Raha,” he said.Describing Lord Rama as “deeply human”, the actor said that what affected him most was not Rama’s strength, but his self-control and compassion.“He responds out of compassion and not out of ego,” Ranbir explained.“In today’s world, where we are always on edge and want to respond immediately, Rama’s response with humility, tolerance and restraint seems beyond human.”
Nitish Tiwari talks about balancing emotions and visual spectacle
Director Nitesh Tiwari stressed that while the film uses extensive visual effects and modern technology, emotions remain the heart of the story.“When it comes to something as epic as Ramayan, emotions are of the essence,” he said.He described visual effects as simply a storytelling tool that helps present the story in a new cinematic way.“Visual effects allow us to tell the same story in a way that has never been done before,” said Nitesh.The director revealed that the team spent nearly five years building the world of “Ramayana,” including creatures, costumes, production design and action sequences.“We spent almost five years trying to get the world right,” he said.
“Every scene was anticipated.”
Nitesh also spoke about the overall planning that was done visually for the film.“Every scene and every moment has been anticipated. We know exactly how to shoot it, what kind of lenses we will use, and how it will be lit,” he explained.According to the director, advanced technology and visual effects previews helped the team visualize the final frame even while shooting against blue screens.The director said that the aim is not only to impress the Indian audience, but also introduce global viewers to the emotional core of the epic.“For people who don’t know Ramayan, I want them to be completely fascinated by the content, emotions, values and essence,” he said.
“A story like the Ramayana deserves this volume.”
Ranbir Kapoor also spoke about the greater responsibility of taking an important cultural story to audiences across the world.“It has been a humbling journey to have the opportunity to be a part of our history, our culture and our truth and to represent that around the world,” he said.“I don’t think many films get this opportunity, but a story like the Ramayana deserves something like this.”The actor added that while the team is excited about the project, there is also tension and responsibility associated with presenting such a beloved story.“Sometimes life presents you with such opportunities that make you feel very proud and very responsible,” he said.Made on a huge budget of Rs 4,000 crore, Ramayana features a star-studded cast with Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. Veteran actor Arun Govil, who played Lord Rama in Ramanand Sagar’s popular 1987 TV serial, will play the role of King Dasharath. The film’s music will also mark a landmark collaboration between Academy Award-winning composers AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer.
