Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, best known for his iconic roles in Shaktimaan and Mahabharat, has voiced strong criticism over Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal in the highly anticipated Ramayana film. Khanna, who has long been a vocal advocate for preserving the sanctity of Indian epics, believes that cinematic adaptations should remain faithful to the original spirit and values of these timeless stories.
Speaking in an interview, Khanna expressed concern that modern reinterpretations often prioritize commercial appeal over cultural authenticity. He cautioned filmmakers against making creative choices that could distort the image of revered characters from Hindu mythology. According to him, any deviation from the epic’s essence risks not only artistic integrity but also the emotional connection millions of Indians hold with these stories.
The Ramayana project, starring Ranbir Kapoor in a pivotal role, has been generating massive buzz, with fans eager to see how the actor interprets one of the most revered characters in Indian culture. While some praise the attempt to bring the ancient tale to a new generation through cutting-edge visuals and contemporary storytelling, critics like Khanna worry about creative liberties that might compromise the cultural depth of the narrative.
Khanna’s remarks also touch on a broader debate in the Indian film industry — the balance between artistic freedom and cultural responsibility. In recent years, big-budget mythological adaptations have drawn both admiration for their scale and backlash for perceived misrepresentations. For Khanna, authenticity is not just about costumes or sets but about preserving the core values and virtues embedded in these epics.
While Ranbir Kapoor has yet to respond to the criticism, the discussion has already sparked heated conversations on social media. Supporters of the film argue that reinterpretations are essential to keep ancient stories alive for younger audiences, while traditionalists insist that such works must uphold their spiritual and cultural roots.
With Ramayana poised to be one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema, the clash of perspectives between filmmakers and cultural purists ensures that the debate over mythological adaptations is far from over. Whether the film bridges the gap or widens the divide will only be clear once audiences witness Ranbir Kapoor’s much-anticipated performance on screen.
