Mukesh Khanna Slams 'Ramayana' Film's Action Hero Rama

Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna has expressed significant concerns over the portrayal of Lord Rama in the forthcoming epic film 'Ramayana.' He voiced his disapproval of the makers presenting the deity as an action hero, rather than upholding his esteemed image as 'Maryada Purushottam.' Khanna specifically criticized the extensive use of visual effects and elaborate action sequences, stating they do not align with traditional depictions of Lord Rama. He argued that such portrayals reduce the divine figure to a likeness of modern action stars. Khanna also commented on the film's global release aspirations, suggesting that international audiences might view it as a spectacle, but stressed the importance of a respectful and dignified depiction for Indian viewers due to their deep-seated faith.

The film 'Ramayana,' starring Ranbir Kapoor as Rama and Sai Pallavi as Sita, is being produced on a colossal scale, with plans for a two-part release. The project's ambitious budget is reported to be approximately $500 million for both parts combined, translating to over Rs 4,000 crore. The producers aim to present this epic on a global stage, emphasizing efficiency comparable to major Hollywood productions. Despite the immense scale, the production emphasizes ambition grounded in responsible filmmaking.