the actor Ranbir Kapoor and filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari They have opened up about the emotional and creative journey behind the ambitious Ramayana adaptation, calling the film one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives.Speaking to Top Film Magazine, the pair reflected on the responsibility of bringing the epic to the big screen, the years of preparation and how they personally transformed the story.
‘It was life defining for me’
Ranbir Kapoor admitted that taking on a story as revered as the Ramayana initially filled him with trepidation and doubt.“Would I be able to do justice? Am I worthy enough?” he remembered thinking.However, the actress said those fears eventually turned into gratitude and personal growth.“I didn’t realize it would be something like a career-defining move for me, but it was definitely life-defining. Life-changing,” shared Ranbir.The actor added that his immersion in Lord Rama’s journey had a profound effect on the way he looked at life, sacrifice and compassion.“It 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 Raha”
Ranbir also emotionally connected the experience of working in the film with being a father to daughter Raha.“It was such a sweet coincidence that Raha made me a better person in my life and Ramayana made me want to be a better person for Raha,” he said.Calling Lord Rama “deeply human”, the actor said that what moved him the most was not Rama’s strength, but his restraint and compassion.“He responds out of compassion and not ego,” explained Ranbir.“In today’s world, where we are always on edge and want to react immediately, Rama feels beyond human by responding with humility, forgiveness and moderation.”
Nitesh Tiwari on balancing emotions and visual spectacle
Director Nitesh Tiwari insists that while the film uses large-scale visual effects and modern technology, emotions remain at the heart of the story.“When it comes to something as epic as the Ramayan, emotions are at the core,” he said.He described VFX as simply a storytelling tool that helps present the story in a new cinematic way.“VFX allows us to tell the same story in a way that has never been done before,” shared Nitesh.The filmmaker revealed that the team spent nearly five years building the world of ‘Ramayana’, including the creatures, costumes, production design and action sequences.“We’ve spent about five years making the world right,” he said.
“All scenes are planned”
Nitesh also opened up about the extensive planning that went into the visual execution of the film.“Every scene, every moment is planned. We know exactly how we are going to shoot, what kind of lenses we are going to use, how it will be lit,” he explained.According to the filmmaker, advanced technology and VFX previews helped the team visualize the final frame even while shooting against blue screens.The director said the aim is not only to thrill the Indian audience, but also to introduce the emotional essence of the epic to the global audience.“For people who are not aware of the Ramayana, I want them to be completely blown away by the content, the emotions, the values and the substance,” he said.
“A story like the Ramayana deserves this scale”
Ranbir Kapoor also reflected on the greater responsibility of bringing an important cultural story to audiences around the world.“It’s been a humbling journey to be a part of our history, our culture, our truth and to be able to represent that to the world,” he shared.“I don’t think many films have that opportunity, but a story like Ramayana deserves something like that.”The actor added that while the team feels excited about the project, there is also nervousness and responsibility to present such a beloved story.“Sometimes life gives you such opportunities that you feel very proud and responsible,” he said.Mounted on a massive budget of Rs 4 billion, Ramayana has a star-studded cast including Ranbir Kapoor Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi Sita, Yash Ravana, Sunny Deol Hanuman and Ravie Dubey Lakshmana. Veteran actor Arun Govil, famous for playing Lord Rama in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic 1987 TV series, will play King Dasharath. The film’s music will also mark a landmark collaboration between AR Rahman and Oscar-winning composers Hans Zimmer.
