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Mukesh Khanna Questions Ranbir Kapoor’s Warrior Like Rama in Upcoming Epic

The teaser of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana left many fans awe-struck with its magnificence, but not everyone agrees. The famous Bhishma of the Mahabharat, Mukesh Khanna, has set on fire the Ranbir-TV-theatrical war over portraying Lord Ram. 

Khanna remarked in a recent interview, "Agar aapne Ram ko yodha bataya, toh log accept nahi kar paayenge (If you show Ram as a warrior, people won’t accept it)." These types of comments, not unexpectedly, created fresh oxygen into the ongoing and ongoing discussion on creative freedom vs mythology.

Khanna’s Response: Ram Was Maryada Purushottam, Not a Warrior

According to Khanna, both Krishna and Arjun are in action, but the essence of Rama is in dharma, not in his ability to fight. “Krishna and Arjun can’t fly in a tree and shoot arrows, but Ram won’t,” said Khanna, referencing the teaser’s bloody visuals filled with action. 

He points out how Rama's humility is ingrained, considering he accepted exile and ate the berries from Shabri. He believes that these contrasting ideals demonstrate a warrior in the teaser. 

The actor also conveyed doubts about Ranbir's legitimacy, pointing out Ranbir's persona since Animal: "He is a fine actor, but Animal is still fresh." Khanna also eschewed commenting on Ranbir’s beef-eating history but pragmatically noted, "Maybe he’s given it up now."

What are the Fans' Reactions? 

While some Indian cinema fans align with Khanna's traditionalist perspective, others maintain that modern retellings can offer a refreshing reimagining. Social media gossip displayed polarized viewpoints: 

  • Traditionalists sided with Khanna, worried about losing the spiritual implications of Rama.
  • Progressive viewers praised the fresh and exciting imagining of the character, citing, for example, Rama’s Lanka Dahan (burning of Lanka) and his brilliance at strategy.  
  • The teaser, boasting VFX said to be "better than Adipurush," has alleviated some skepticism.

Nitesh Tiwari's Vision: The Intersection of Myth and Modernity

Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana for Diwali 2026 and 2027 will feature an amazing cast opposite, including Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. He intends to balance faith with spectacle by using Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman, both India Oscar winners.  

Khanna's caution against filmmaking based on a budget, "Ramayana is not made based on Rs. 1,000 crore but on content," sounds suspiciously like his Shaktimaan style.

Is it  Clash of Faith and Filmmaking?

It is important for Khanna's critique to pinpoint the difficulty of reconciling sacred texts and their adaptation. Although his concerns indicate a purist bent, Tiwari's goal is to create a connection with modern audiences. The Ramayana's success is in balancing reverence and innovation.

And yet Nitesh Tiwari's vision is not about defiance but rather evolution. The filmmaker who added so much emotional depth to Dangal and Chhichhore is not filming a documentary on Valmiki's Ramayana. 

For today's audiences, who expect big visuals and heart-pumping action, the film has to offer. The teaser, with eye-popping VFX and Ranbir's gripping performance, places this Rama not just as a divine figure but one who is also a leader, a strategist, and indeed, a warrior when circumstances demand it.