Ranbir Confirms Dual Role in Ramayana; Will Portray Rama and Parshurama
Ranbir confirms dual roles in Ramayana, portraying Lord Rama and Parshurama in Nitesh Tiwari’s epic film.
Actor Ranbir Kapoor has confirmed that he will be playing a dual role in filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious mythological project Ramayana. Speaking at the film’s teaser launch event, Ranbir revealed that in addition to portraying Lord Rama, he will also appear as Lord Parshurama, marking a significant creative choice in the retelling of the epic.
The confirmation follows speculation sparked by the teaser, which hinted at Ranbir’s dual appearance but stopped short of explicitly stating it. During an interaction with Collider, the actor explained how he approached the challenge of embodying two distinct incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Ranbir said he relied on variations in body language and voice modulation, while also immersing himself in the spiritual and emotional depth of the characters.
Reflecting on his preparation, Ranbir noted that understanding the essence of both roles was central to his performance. He emphasized that Lord Rama and Lord Parshurama, though both avatars of Vishnu, possess contrasting personalities and motivations. The actor spent nearly a year studying the characters’ philosophical and emotional dimensions to bring authenticity to the screen.
According to the Ramayana, the interaction between Rama and Parshurama is a pivotal moment in the epic. The encounter takes place after Rama breaks Lord Shiva’s bow during Sita’s swayamvara, prompting Parshurama to challenge him. Upon realizing Rama’s divine identity, Parshurama withdraws, avoiding conflict. The teaser briefly showcases this sequence, featuring Ranbir as Rama deflecting an axe strike, with veteran actor Arun Govil as Dasharath and Ravi Dubey as Laxman appearing in the backdrop.
The film boasts a high-profile ensemble cast, including Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. Produced by Namit Malhotra, the project is being positioned as one of the most ambitious cinematic adaptations of the Indian epic to date, with large-scale production values and a global rollout strategy.
Ramayana is scheduled for a theatrical release during Diwali 2026, with a second installment planned for Diwali 2027. As anticipation builds, the film is expected to set new benchmarks in mythological storytelling in Indian cinema, combining star power with a modern cinematic approach to a timeless narrative.
