The anticipation for Nitesh Tiwari’s magnum opus, Ramayana, has reached a fever pitch, particularly concerning Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Lord Rama. While the makers have been incredibly protective of the film’s visual assets, acclaimed director Anurag Basu has provided a glowing firsthand account of Ranbir’s transformation, confirming that the actor has achieved something truly special with his look.
In an exclusive interaction with Variety India, Basu—who has collaborated with Ranbir on landmark films like Barfi! and Jagga Jasoos—spoke about his reaction to seeing the actor in character. Having shared a long-standing creative bond with him, Basu’s endorsement carries significant weight. He emphasized the immense pressure of the role, stating:
“The way I had imagined Ranbir as Rama when he signed the film, and what I expected was very good. I expected that this is how Ranbir would look, as he loves challenges. It was very tough, and you need a lot of courage to get into that character to play Ram.”
The director further noted that Ranbir has “amazingly nailed it,” describing the appearance as a perfect blend of serenity and strength. Basu’s praise comes at a time when the film is under intense scrutiny. Portraying a deity as revered as Lord Rama carries immense responsibility, and Ranbir has reportedly undergone rigorous physical training and a complete lifestyle shift to embody the character.
Nitesh Tiwari’s trilogy is being mounted on an unprecedented scale, with a cast that includes Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Basu’s comments suggest that the visual storytelling and character design are being handled with a high degree of authenticity and reverence. As the film moves through its extensive production schedule toward its targeted release, this “stamp of approval” from a filmmaker of Basu’s caliber has only heightened expectations for what is being called the most ambitious project in Indian cinematic history.