Imtiaz Ali backs Ranbir Kapoor Rama

Imtiaz Ali said on June 1 that he was “very happy” Ranbir Kapoor is playing Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming film *Ramayana*, adding another prominent endorsement to one of Bollywood’s most closely watched mythological projects. Sunrise Radio published Ali’s comments on Monday, and Pinkvilla separately reported them the same day. Ranbir Kapoor’s casting as Rama has been public for months, but Ali’s remarks drew attention because of his long working relationship with the actor on films including *Rockstar* and *Tamasha*. In the Sunrise Radio interview, Ali said Kapoor could bring “a certain effect or reality” to the character. ### What exactly did Imtiaz Ali say about Ranbir Kapoor? (sunriseradio.com) Sunrise Radio quoted Imtiaz Ali as saying, “I am very happy he is doing Lord Rama’s role because he can bring a certain effect or reality to the character.” The outlet’s June 1 post framed the comment as Ali’s response to Kapoor taking on the central role in Nitesh Tiwari’s adaptation. (sunriseradio.com) Pinkvilla’s June 1 report carried the same broad line of support, describing Ali as backing Kapoor’s casting and highlighting his view that the actor can handle sharply different parts. NDTV and other entertainment outlets also matched that theme in follow-up reports published Monday. ### Why do Ali’s comments carry weight in this casting debate? (sunriseradio.com) Imtiaz Ali has directed Ranbir Kapoor in *Rockstar* and *Tamasha*, making him one of the filmmakers most associated with Kapoor’s dramatic range. That history gave Ali’s endorsement added visibility as discussion around *Ramayana* casting continued across entertainment outlets on June 1. (pinkvilla.com) Kapoor’s role as Rama has drawn interest in part because it follows a run of very different performances, and Ali’s comments were framed by several outlets as a vote of confidence in the actor’s versatility rather than as a new production announcement. ### Who else is reported to be in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana? (hindustantimes.com) Pinkvilla said the film also stars Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol and Ravie Dubey. Sunrise Radio’s earlier coverage from about two months ago also listed Yash, Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol and Ravi Dubey alongside Kapoor in the project. IMDb’s current listing for *Ramayana* names Nitesh Tiwari as director and includes Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi and Ravi Dubey in the cast. (pinkvilla.com) The Indian Express reported in April that Kapoor plays Lord Rama in the two-part adaptation and outlined additional character assignments across the ensemble. ### How far along is the film? The project has already moved beyond early casting chatter. The Indian Express reported on April 2 that the makers had unveiled a first glimpse of Kapoor as Lord Rama on Hanuman Jayanti. (pinkvilla.com) Sunrise Radio also reported at the time that a first look was due around that release window. (imdb.com) Moneycontrol reported on June 1 that the production had added Hollywood action specialists Guy Norris and Terry Notary, and described the film as a two-part epic planned for worldwide IMAX release in 2026 and 2027. News18 similarly reported last year that the two parts were slated for Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027. (indianexpress.com) ### What happens next? June 1 coverage around *Ramayana* centered on Ali’s endorsement rather than a new trailer or release-date revision. The next concrete milestones already reported are the film’s planned two-part rollout and the continued introduction of cast and character details by entertainment outlets tracking the production. (moneycontrol.com)