With the first part of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana eyeing a big Diwali 2026 release, all eyes are on how this ambitious project will bring the epic tale back to life. But just as excitement is growing, actor Arun Govil — who is still fondly remembered for his portrayal of Lord Ram in the 1980s TV series Ramayan — has raised eyebrows with his honest take on today’s actors playing such a revered role. His remarks have added a wave of debate to what’s already one of the most talked-about films in the making.

"I don’t think in our lifetime someone should try to recreate Ramayana," Govil said. "Three-four people tried recreating it, but they were not successful. As far as some actor playing Ram is concerned, all the available actors, all the stars at this moment – I don’t think anyone is suitable. Maybe you can find someone outside the industry." His words struck a chord with many fans who feel a sense of protectiveness over stories like Ramayana, while others were surprised given that Govil himself is a part of this very film.
The new adaptation stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. Yash, who plays Ravana, is also co-producing the film alongside Namit Malhotra. The ensemble cast includes some big names like Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, and expected appearances from Rakul Preet Singh, Anil Kapoor, Kunal Kapoor, and even Amitabh Bachchan. With such a line-up, the film is aiming to be both grand in scale and deeply rooted in emotion.
Still, Govil’s statement has touched a nerve, especially after the backlash faced by Adipurush, where Prabhas took on the role of Lord Ram. That version faced heavy criticism for its subpar visual effects and modernised, casual tone that didn’t sit well with audiences. Now, with Tiwari’s Ramayana coming in two parts — first in 2026 and then in 2027 — the expectations are sky-high. And so is the pressure to strike the right balance between authenticity and cinematic spectacle.
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