Following the release of the epic's trailer and promotional tracks like "Jai Jai Ram", a section of online commentators and industry observers had raised questions regarding Kapoor’s casting, often citing his polarising turn in 2023’s Animal. Addressing the debate directly in an interview with Variety India, Dubey dismissed the skepticism, calling Kapoor "simply the best we have" and detailing the actor's intense commitment, work etiquette, and grounded nature on set.
"No Weight of Stardom": Ravie Dubey on Witnessing Ranbir's Craft
Speaking about his experience sharing the frame with Kapoor, Dubey emphasized that witnessing the superstar's process firsthand dispels any outside doubts:
Unparalleled Work Ethic: “I think Ranbir is simply the best we have. He is a superstar of epic proportions, but what has stayed with me even more is the human being and the artiste I have witnessed at close range. The sincerity with which he comes onto a set is unparalleled. His work ethic, etiquette, intensity and preparation; I had heard so much about these things, but I had the privilege of witnessing them firsthand.”
Grounded Demeanour: Dubey highlighted the complete absence of vanity: “Alongside all of that is this incredibly grounded, warm and inclusive nature. There is no weight of his stardom in the way he interacts with people. I find that enormously inspiring. It is my great good fortune to be a part of this journey alongside Ranbir, Namit (Malhotra), Nitesh (Tiwari), Yash, Sai Pallavi and every single person associated with 'Ramayana'.”
Treating 'Ramayana' as a Sacred Yagya Dubey noted that mounting a film of this cultural significance demanded personal lifestyle discipline from the entire ensemble, not just standard rehearsals:
Significant Personal Sacrifices: Recalling the rigorous schedule, Dubey shared: “That role changed me. I had to transform myself to do justice to it because the audience can easily tell when you are faking it. I completely altered my routine. In fact, all of us did, including Ranbir Kapoor. He has sacrificed so much for this film. This feels more like a yagya. We all did everything in our power to stay true to these characters in how we behave, react, and even speak.”
The Spirit of Surrender: Describing his association as an extraordinary moment rather than a career milestone: “With this film, I have constantly reminded myself that the larger purpose of all of us coming together... is to bring glory to Shri Ram's name. So whenever thoughts of ambition or achievement surfaced, I have tried to return to one solitary and solid sentiment, which is surrender... Before this is an opportunity, an achievement, or even a debut, it is a blessing.”
The Double-Duty Challenge for Ranbir Kapoor
Beyond portraying Lord Ram, Kapoor recently confirmed that he is also taking on the avatar of Lord Parshurama in the multi-part cinematic adaptation:
Navigating the Avatars: As Kapoor explained to international press, portraying both divine incarnations across different eras provided an expansive canvas to showcase distinct physical forms and energies within the same cinematic universe.
Dual Release Blueprint: Backed by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios, Monster Mind Creations, and DNEG, the two-part epic features an ensemble including Sai Pallavi (Sita), Yash (Ravana), Sunny Deol (Hanuman), Arun Govil, and Lara Dutta, scored jointly by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman. Part 1 remains locked for a worldwide rollout this Diwali 2026, with Part 2 slated for Diwali 2027.
Trade & Cultural Verdict:
When adapting India’s most revered epic, public scrutiny over star personas is unavoidable. However, Ravie Dubey’s articulate, on-ground defense highlights the discipline and reverence behind the camera. By shifting focus from tabloid perceptions to the technical rigor, lifestyle sacrifices, and emotional surrender invested on set, Dubey firmly anchors expectations on artistic merit as Ramayana approaches its Diwali theatrical debut.
