Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana Role Praised for Dedication
Indira Krishnan, who plays Queen Kaushalya, reveals Ranbir Kapoor's intense vegetarian diet and rigorous fitness regime for his 'Ramayana' portrayal.
The Cliff News | 12 November 2026
Actor Ranbir Kapoor's performance as Lord Rama in the recently released epic, Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, is winning over initial skeptics who questioned his casting. His dedication to embodying the divine character was revealed by his on-screen mother, Indira Krishnan, who shared insights into his transformative journey.
Krishnan, who essays the pivotal role of Queen Kaushalya in Nitesh Tiwari's directorial, detailed in an interview with Filmygyan how Kapoor embraced a completely vegetarian lifestyle throughout the film's production. This dietary change was part of a comprehensive regimen designed to authentically portray the revered deity.
A Transformative Regimen
“He was completely a vegetarian in this entire process,” Krishnan stated, highlighting Kapoor's commitment. She observed his disciplined routine, which included consuming fruits and dedicating significant time to fitness. Kapoor reportedly worked out for three hours in the morning and another two to three hours in the evening, adhering to a strict schedule.
Krishnan, who shared screen space with Kapoor previously in Animal, noted the actor's deep immersion in the role. She mentioned that even his personal vanity van was stocked with fruits, underscoring his holistic approach to embodying Lord Rama. “He was completely on the path to create Shri Rama inside and out. Even the way he used to talk and behave with people,” she added.
Off-Screen Camaraderie and Support
Beyond his on-set discipline, Krishnan spoke warmly of Kapoor's off-screen persona. She described him as a "fabulous actor and fabulous father," noting his discussions about his daughter Raha’s future education and his cravings for South Indian food during filming. She also credited him as her biggest supporter on set, frequently seeking her feedback on his scenes.
Krishnan shared that during the shooting, she consistently saw the divine presence of Shri Rama reflected in Kapoor's demeanor, rather than just the actor. This profound connection to the character further solidified her admiration for his craft.
Addressing Initial Backlash
The film's release followed considerable online scrutiny regarding Kapoor's casting. Krishnan addressed this backlash, defending the actor against what she described as a common tendency for audiences to pull down individuals who are growing and attempting new characters. She acknowledged that some people found it difficult to believe Kapoor could portray Lord Rama.
The initial resistance stemmed partly from a resurfaced 2011 interview where Kapoor referred to himself as a "big beef fan." Furthermore, questions were raised about his ability to transition from the aggressive character of Ranvijay Singh in Animal to the virtuous Lord Rama.
Box Office Prospects and Future Sequels
The box office performance of Ramayana: Rise of a Legend is expected to depend on its domestic holdovers and sustained overseas demand. The film stars Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, and Yash as Ravana. It was theatrically released on November 5, 2026.
The sequel is slated for a Diwali 2028 release. A post-credits scene in the first installment has already introduced Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, who is set to feature prominently in the second part.