Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana casting sparks debate: 6 films that divided audiences

Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming epic 'Ramayana' has already set the internet buzzing. The film, which features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, has drawn both excitement and sharp criticism. A section of social media users is now questioning the casting choice, drawing comparisons to past films that sparked similar debates or failed at the box office.

The conversation has snowballed into a broader discussion on casting in mythological and historical films. Users have listed at least six previous movies where lead actors faced backlash or the film itself became a talking point for the wrong reasons.

Why Ranbir Kapoor's casting is under scrutiny

Critics argue that the actor's off-screen persona and previous film choices may not align with the spiritual and reverential image of Lord Ram. Some have pointed to his role in 'Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva' and its mixed reception as a sign of risk.

Supporters, however, counter that Kapoor has the range to pull off the role. They cite his performances in 'Sanju' and 'Barfi!' as proof of his versatility. The film's production design and VFX team, led by experienced hands, are also expected to lend credibility.

Six films that divided audiences

Users have dragged up several high-profile examples to make their case. First on the list is Prabhas's 'Adipurush' (2023). The Om Raut-directed film was heavily criticised for its VFX, dialogue, and portrayal of characters from the Ramayana. Despite a strong opening, it crashed at the box office.

Another example is Shah Rukh Khan's 'Zero' (2018). The film, which featured the superstar as a vertically challenged man, was a commercial and critical disappointment. Its casting choices, including Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma, were also questioned.

Other films mentioned include Aamir Khan's 'Thugs of Hindostan' (2018), which was panned for its script and performances, and Akshay Kumar's 'Samrat Prithviraj' (2022), which failed to impress audiences despite its scale. Ajay Devgn's 'Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior' (2020) was a hit but still drew debate over historical accuracy. Finally, 'Panipat' (2019), directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, was criticised for its casting and narrative choices.

The high stakes of mythological cinema

Mythological films in India carry an emotional weight that few other genres can match. Audiences often approach them with pre-conceived notions and deep reverence. Any deviation from the expected portrayal can lead to immediate backlash.

The debate around 'Ramayana' shows that no actor is immune to this scrutiny. Even a star like Ranbir Kapoor, with a loyal fanbase, must navigate these expectations. The film's team has remained tight-lipped about the criticism, focusing instead on the scale and ambition of the project.

What happens next? 'Ramayana' is expected to go on floors later this year. All eyes will be on the first look and teaser to see if the filmmakers can win over the sceptics.