Popular actor Sunil Lahri, who played the role of Laxman in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan, is doubtful of Nitesh Tiwari’s casting of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram in his next. He said that in the poster of Ramayana Ranbir looked smart but he is not sure that he would be a perfect fit for the role. Sunil also felt that an unknown face should have been cast for the role because Kapoor came with a baggage of family legacy and notable work. 

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Sunil Lahri said “From the poster, I liked his look. It’s very nice and since he’s so smart, he will look perfect in that role. But, I don’t know how much people will accept him as Ram.”

He further said, “I feel that you should take someone that has no image or baggage. It works better. No doubt Ranbir is a great actor with a big legacy of his family and the work he has done. I’m sure he will do justice, but again, it is the perception of people that you can’t change. He has to crush his earlier performances and come out with this. And especially, after doing something like Animal recently, it will be very difficult for people to see him in such an opposite role as Lord Ram.”

Sunil Lahri also shared his opinion on Sai Pallavi’s casting and said “I don’t know how she is as an actress, I have never seen any of her work. But, looks wise, I am honestly not very convinced. In my mind, Sita has a very beautiful and perfect looking face, and I don’t think Sai’s face has that perfection. In Indian mindsets, all the Devis are out of this world, it should be extraordinary. I don’t know how they are going to make this actress look that attractive that Raavan would fall for her.”

Also read: Dipika Chikhlia Suggests Ranbir Kapoor And Sai Pallavi Starrer Ramayana Should Not Be Made; Says ‘Just Leave It Aside’

Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana also stars Sunny Deol, Yash, Sheeba Chaddha, Lara Dutta, Ravi Dubey, Indira Krishnan and Arun Govil in key roles. The movie is scheduled to be released in theatres in 2025.