Veteran Actor Gajendra Chauhan Offers Nuanced Critique of Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’ Trailer
Mumbai, India – Gajendra Chauhan, widely recognized for his iconic portrayal of Yudhishthir in BR Chopra’s seminal ‘Mahabharat’, has shared his preliminary impressions of Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated ‘Ramayana’. The film, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Yash as Raavan, has generated considerable buzz, and Chauhan’s insights offer a seasoned perspective on its initial glimpse. While acknowledging Ranbir Kapoor’s convincing physical appearance as Ram, Chauhan candidly stated that the trailer left him "not impressed" overall.
Critique on Kaikeyi’s Portrayal and Emotional Depth
Chauhan’s primary reservations stemmed not from the actors themselves, but from the perceived modernity in certain character portrayals and a perceived lack of emotional gravitas in a pivotal scene. "I saw the Ramayana trailer. Personally, I am telling you, I was not impressed," Chauhan remarked. He expressed particular concern regarding the depiction of Kaikeyi, specifically in the scene where she demands Ram’s exile. "I was not impressed by Kaikeyi’s scene where she asks for Ram’s exile. Her dressing, for one, is very modern. They have given her a modern sari," he observed, drawing a distinct contrast to his own experience playing Dashrath in BR Chopra’s ‘Ramayan’ in 2002.
Beyond costuming, Chauhan felt the scene lacked the emotional weight it intrinsically carries. He recollected the meticulous approach taken by Ravi Chopra for the Kaikeyi-Dashrath sequence in his own production, where actors dedicated nearly a day and a half to perfecting that single portion. Chauhan emphasized the scene’s profound narrative significance, highlighting its role in depicting the family’s disintegration following Manthara’s manipulation of Kaikeyi.
The Challenge of Star Image in Mythological Roles
Chauhan delved into the inherent challenges of casting established Bollywood stars in mythological roles. "Stars have an image. It is very difficult for that star image to be accepted in mythology. If you want to play these characters, you should not have too much of an image. You should not be too exposed to the public," he articulated.
Drawing parallels to his own career, Chauhan noted that prior to his career-defining role as Yudhishthir in ‘Mahabharat’, despite having acted in films and approximately 25 television serials, he had not yet cultivated a significant public image. "The image that was created for me came from Mahabharat, because before that I didn’t have an image," he explained. He further cited the example of a shelved ‘Mahabharat’ project that had a star-studded cast, including Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Ajay Devgn, and Aamir Khan, suggesting the complexities of star power in such epics.
Ranbir Kapoor as Ram: A Balanced View
Regarding Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Lord Ram, Chauhan acknowledged the actor’s considerable star power. "Here, Ranbir Kapoor has his own image. He is a very big star. Now he is playing Ram," he stated. However, he was quick to clarify that he did not find Kapoor unconvincing in the role. "He is looking good, no doubt. He looks very good in the get-up," Chauhan affirmed. He also touched upon the audience’s preconceived notions of Lord Ram, which inevitably influence the reception of any new portrayal. "We had an image of Ram in our imagination — that he would have a long nose, that he would look like a king, that kind of look," he mused. Despite his initial reservations, Chauhan stressed that a comprehensive judgment would only be possible after viewing the complete film: "Until the film is released and we see it in its totality, it is a little difficult to comment."
Praise for Arun Govil as Dashrath
Amidst his critical observations, Chauhan singled out the casting of Arun Govil as King Dashrath for unequivocal praise. Govil, etched in public memory for his iconic portrayal of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s classic ‘Ramayan’, garnered Chauhan’s admiration. "I think the best casting is Arun Govil as Dashrath," Chauhan declared. He highlighted the poignant full-circle narrative of Govil’s casting. "He was Ram 40 years ago. After 40 years, he has grown into Dashrath. He has become a father," Chauhan noted, expressing confidence in Govil’s ability as a "fantastic actor" to bring depth to the role. "I think that is very good casting for Ramayana. He is looking good too," he added.
‘Ramayana’: A Grand Cinematic Endeavor
Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’ boasts an expansive ensemble cast, featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Raavan, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. Arun Govil and Lara Dutta are set to portray Dashrath and Kaikeyi, respectively, with Rakul Preet Singh, Vivek Oberoi, and Saurabh Sachdeva also rounding out the cast. The first installment of this ambitious project is slated for a November 8, 2026, release in India, focusing on Ram’s formative years, his marriage to Sita, and the commencement of his 14-year exile. The concluding chapter is anticipated to arrive in Diwali 2027. Gajendra Chauhan’s discerning commentary adds a valuable layer to the ongoing discourse surrounding this eagerly awaited cinematic retelling of the epic.
