Actor Yash has strongly defended co-star Ranbir Kapoor's casting as Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming epic Ramayana, saying no one can claim to possess the virtues of the revered deity. Speaking during a panel discussion at the San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday, Yash praised Ranbir's commitment to the role, describing him as a "fabulous actor" who has made significant sacrifices to bring the iconic character to life. The event was attended by director Nitesh Tiwari, producer Namit Malhotra and members of the film's cast as they discussed one of the most anticipated Indian films in recent years.
Yash, who is making his Hindi film debut as Ravana in Ramayana, spoke at length about sharing screen space with Ranbir Kapoor, who essays the role of Lord Rama. Addressing the debate surrounding the casting, the KGF star said portraying such a revered figure is a responsibility that no actor can claim to be inherently worthy of. "Nobody in this world can come and say, 'I have the virtue to play Lord Rama'. The fact that he (Ranbir) said the same says it all. He is a fabulous actor. It's not easy to play Lord Rama and the way he has really worked, huge respect to him," Yash said during the discussion.
Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Lord Rama has been one of the most discussed aspects of the film since the release of its first teaser earlier this year. While many fans praised his appearance and felt he captured the grace associated with the character, others questioned whether the 45-year-old actor was the right choice to portray a younger Lord Rama. The casting sparked widespread discussion on social media, with opinions divided over his look and suitability for the role.
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Backing his co-star, Yash revealed that Ranbir had dedicated considerable time and effort to preparing for the role, particularly focusing on his physical transformation. "He has worked very hard on his fitness. When you see Ramayana, you will see a beautiful Rama with great intent and great sacrifice he has done," Yash said. His comments sought to reassure audiences that Ranbir's preparation extended beyond appearance and reflected a deep commitment to portraying one of Hinduism's most revered figures with sincerity and respect.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana is among the biggest Indian film projects currently in production. The mythological epic boasts a star-studded cast, with Yash playing Ravana and Ranbir Kapoor leading the film as Lord Rama. The project has generated significant anticipation both in India and internationally, with its presentation at San Diego Comic-Con underscoring the filmmakers' ambitions to introduce the epic to a global audience. As the film moves closer to release, the cast and makers continue to emphasise the scale, authenticity and dedication that have gone into bringing the timeless story to the big screen.
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