Mukesh Chhabra on why he cast Ranbir as Ram in Ramayana

As anticipation builds around Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious adaptation of Ramayana, casting director and filmmaker Mukesh Chhabra had once shed light on what made Ranbir Kapoor the perfect choice for the divine role of Lord Ram.

In a rare insight into the casting process, Chhabra broke down the thought behind selecting the actor—not just for his star power, but for the quiet strength, innocence, and emotional depth he brings to the screen.

In a podcast with Ranveer Allahbadia last year, Mukesh spoke about the casting process for Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. He shared that Ranbir Kapoor was the obvious choice for Lord Ram, thanks to his serene presence and natural screen appeal. The film also features Sai Pallavi as Sita and Kannada star Yash as Raavan, making it one of the most anticipated projects in recent times.

Chhabra further explained that Ranbir's calm aura and innocent charm were key reasons behind his casting as Lord Ram. He noted that Ranbir carries a childlike quality that naturally reflects on screen—an essential trait for embodying a character as divine and universally respected as Ram.Known for his keen eye in casting, he also praised Ranbir's unwavering focus on his craft. He highlighted that Ranbir prioritizes performance over publicity or box office pressure, remaining unaffected by success or failure.

According to him, Ranbir lives in his own world—driven purely by his passion for acting.Chhabra also went on to describe the actor as an “effortless actor” whose quiet intensity and emotional depth set him apart in an industry that often leans toward larger-than-life performances. He emphasized that it's this subtle power and sincerity that make Ranbir the ideal choice for a role as layered as Lord Ram.Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana is set to be a grand, visually spectacular reimagining of the ancient Indian epic. The film features an impressive ensemble cast: Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Yash as Ravan. Planned as a two-part saga, Part 1 will release on Diwali 2026, followed by Part 2 on Diwali 2027.