Basu’s comments come at a critical time as the industry gears up for what is being called the most expensive Indian film ever made.
The "Basu" Verdict: Courage Over Comfort
In an interview with Variety India earlier this morning, Anurag Basu emphasized that Ranbir has met every expectation he had for the character:
The "Box" Theory: "It takes a lot of courage for an actor to say yes because people put actors in boxes in our industry. I think it is very courageous of him," Basu stated, highlighting the risk of playing a figure as revered as Lord Rama.
The Visual Impact: Having seen the images and early footage, Basu noted that Ranbir has successfully captured the "simplicity and warrior spirit" required for the role.
The Challenge: Basu noted that Ranbir "loves challenges," and this role is perhaps the toughest of his two-decade career.
The Sacrifice: Biopic vs. Epic
The "Ramayana Update" also sheds light on a difficult choice Ranbir had to make behind the scenes:
The Kishore Kumar Biopic: Basu confirmed that Ranbir was the first choice for his long-planned biopic on the legendary singer Kishore Kumar.
The Conflict: Due to overlapping schedules and the sheer scale of the Ramayana production, Ranbir had to choose between the two.
The Decision: "In the end, he chose Ramayana, and I think it was the right decision," Basu admitted, even as reports suggest Aamir Khan is now in talks for the Kishore Kumar role
'Ramayana' (2026-2027) Progress Snapshot
Feature Details Director Nitesh Tiwari Budget ₹4,000 Crore (One of the world's most expensive films) VFX Handled by Namit Malhotra (Prime Focus) Part 1 Release Diwali 2026 (October/November) Part 2 Release Diwali 2027
The Global "Look" Reveal
The teaser, which was recently previewed for select audiences in New York and Los Angeles, has divided the internet:
The "Game of Thrones" Vibe: While many praised the serene look of Ranbir and the grandeur of Ayodhya, some critics compared the VFX of the "Asuras" and Lanka to Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones.
The Score: The collaboration between Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman is reportedly being hailed as a "masterpiece" by those who attended the LA screening.
SantaBanta Verdict:
Anurag Basu’s endorsement is more than just a friend supporting a friend; it’s a veteran filmmaker acknowledging that Ranbir Kapoor has the "gravitas" to anchor a ₹4,000-crore project. While the audience's reaction remains divided on the VFX, the consensus on Ranbir’s "Rama" avatar—at least among his peers—is that of a transformative performance that justifies the sacrifice of other legendary roles.
