The legacy of Ramanand Sagar’s 1987 television series Ramayan remains unmatched in Indian television history. Now, as Nitesh Tiwari’s big-screen adaptation Ramayana gears up for release, the filmmaker’s grandson, Shiv Sagar, has shared his honest review of the trailer. While he praised the film’s visuals and the casting of Yash and Sai Pallavi, he openly questioned Ranbir Kapoor’s suitability to play Lord Ram, pointing to the actor’s recent role in Animal.
Shiv Sagar Calls the Trailer a Big Improvement Over the Teaser
After watching the newly released trailer, Shiv Sagar said it gave a much clearer picture of what the film offers compared to the earlier teaser. He noted that the teaser had very little information, but the trailer revealed more characters and the scale of the production.
“I saw the trailer that was released yesterday, and of course, the trailer was much better than the teaser because the previous teaser they had put out had very little information. This was a longer trailer where we could see more of the characters, more of the VFX, and there was also the reveal of Ravan, who is played by Yash.”
The trailer, which dropped on August 2, 2026, has already generated massive buzz online. Fans have been sharing their excitement and concerns across social media platforms. Shiv’s reaction added another layer to the ongoing discussion about the film’s casting choices.
Strong Praise for Yash and Sai Pallavi’s Casting
Shiv Sagar did not hold back his appreciation for the casting of Yash as Ravana and Sai Pallavi as Sita. He believes that actors from South India have a natural connection to Indian mythology because these stories are passed down through generations in their families.
“Overall, I really like the casting of Yash as Ravan and Sai Pallavi as Sita because they are from South, and these actors from South, they really understand our mythology, and these are stories told to them from a very young age by their grandparents. So they really know the mannerisms, and they know these characters very well.”
His comments come at a time when Sai Pallavi’s casting had faced criticism from some sections of social media over her appearance and Hindi fluency. Shiv’s support for her performance adds weight to the argument that cultural understanding and acting ability matter more than superficial factors.
The Core Concern: Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Animal’ Baggage
While Shiv appreciated several aspects of the trailer, he expressed strong reservations about Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Ram. He pointed out that mythological characters like Ram have traditionally been played by relatively fresh faces, making it easier for audiences to accept them.
“Because typically, what we do is, we cast a fresh face for a character like Ram because Ranbir has a lot of baggage with him, especially after Animal. I really don’t know if he will be accepted as Ram.”
Ranbir Kapoor’s performance in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s 2023 blockbuster Animal left a strong impact on audiences. He played Ranvijay Singh, a violent and morally complex protagonist. Shiv suggested that this image might make it difficult for viewers to see Ranbir as the ideal and righteous Lord Ram.
Visual Effects and Direction Impress the Grandson
Despite his concerns about the lead casting, Shiv Sagar had nothing but praise for the film’s technical aspects. He commended director Nitesh Tiwari for his vision and the way the mythological elements were brought to life.
“But the VFX was very good. Nitish Tiwari ji has conceptualised the thing very beautifully.”
He also highlighted specific creative choices that stood out to him, including the depiction of Ravana’s Pushpak Vimana and Surpanakha’s entry on a lion chariot. These elements, he said, were brilliantly executed and added to the film’s grandeur.
Hopes for the Film to Reach a Global Audience
Shiv Sagar expressed hope that the film would perform well and help introduce Indian mythology to international viewers. He believes that a successful Ramayana could open doors for more such projects on a global scale.
“I really hope that this Ramayana does well because it will open up this genre for an international audience, and our culture and mythology should reach the international market.”
His statement reflects a broader aspiration among Indian filmmakers to take epic stories from the country’s rich cultural heritage to audiences around the world.
About the Film: Cast, Release Date, and Budget
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana is one of the most ambitious Indian films ever made. The movie features a star-studded cast:
- Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram
- Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita
- Yash as Ravana
- Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman
- Ravie Dubey as Lakshman
- Arun Govil as King Dasharatha
- Lara Dutta as Queen Kaikeyi
The film is being made on a reported budget of ₹4,000 crore, with music composed by A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer. Part 1 is scheduled to release during Diwali 2026, while Part 2 is expected to arrive in 2027.
The Legacy of Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan
Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan (1987) remains a gold standard for mythological storytelling on Indian television. The series was watched by millions and continues to be re-run even today. Shiv Sagar, as the grandson of the legendary filmmaker, carries the weight of that legacy. His opinions on any adaptation of the epic naturally draw attention.
Earlier, another grandson, Amrit Sagar, had also shared advice for the Ramayana team, suggesting they approach the project with sensitivity and respect for the source material. The Sagar family’s connection to the epic gives their words added significance in the public eye.
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Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The trailer and Shiv Sagar’s review have sparked intense discussions online. While many fans agree with Shiv’s concerns about Ranbir Kapoor, others have defended the actor, pointing to his versatility and dedication to his craft. Some social media users have also praised Shiv for his honest and balanced take, noting that he gave credit where it was due while expressing his genuine reservations.
The debate over casting in mythological films is not new. Similar discussions surrounded the casting of actors in previous adaptations of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. However, the scale and budget of this project have amplified the stakes.
Also Read: Rakul Preet Singh Opens Up About Her Surpanakha Role in Ramayana: Here is Why She Said Yes
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