Veteran actor Annu Kapoor has once again stirred debate with his candid remarks, this time taking aim at one of the most ambitious Indian films ever made Ramayana. As director Nitesh Tiwari’s mythological epic grabbed headlines with its grand domestic trailer launch at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Friday, Kapoor offered a sharply contrasting perspective in a recent interview with News18. Known for never shying away from expressing his opinions, Kapoor dismissed the hype surrounding the film and even claimed he was unfamiliar with its director.
When asked about Nitesh Tiwari helming what is being touted as a ₹4,000-crore cinematic spectacle, Kapoor responded bluntly, “Nitesh Tiwari kaun hai? Main nahi jaanta kisi Nitesh Tiwari ko” (Who is Nitesh Tiwari? I don’t know any Nitesh Tiwari).
Even after the interviewer reminded him that Tiwari is the National Award-winning filmmaker behind acclaimed hits such as Dangal and Chhichhore, Kapoor remained unfazed. He explained that he does not closely follow commercial Hindi cinema or the directors associated with it, making it clear that the filmmaker’s achievements had not influenced his opinion.
Kapoor’s criticism did not stop there. He also questioned the casting of acclaimed actress Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita in the film. While he refrained from criticizing her acting talent, the veteran actor raised concerns over whether modern casting decisions are driven more by commercial considerations than by artistic or cultural authenticity.
According to Kapoor, portraying a revered figure like Sita requires far more than acting ability. He suggested that filmmakers should deeply understand the spiritual and cultural significance of such characters instead of focusing on creating a pan-India commercial appeal. His comments hinted at the belief that casting choices in large-scale productions are increasingly influenced by market strategies rather than the essence of the epic itself.
The actor’s remarks are consistent with his long-held views on cinematic adaptations of sacred Indian texts. Following the controversy surrounding Adipurush in 2023, Kapoor had publicly urged filmmakers to treat epics like the Ramayana with greater sensitivity and respect. He had argued that reducing such revered stories to visual spectacles risks compromising their dignity and deeper philosophical values.
Reiterating that stance, Kapoor expressed skepticism about whether commercial filmmaking can truly preserve the Maryada (dignity) of the Ramayana. He suggested that the increasing emphasis on visual effects and large-scale entertainment often overshadows the moral and spiritual essence of the epic.
Interestingly, Kapoor’s comments come at a time when Ramayana is enjoying enormous momentum. The film’s star-studded trailer launch featured director Nitesh Tiwari, producer Namit Malhotra, and lead actors Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi, generating significant excitement among fans. The makers are also preparing to showcase the film on an international stage with a presentation at San Diego Comic-Con later this month ahead of its much-awaited Diwali 2026 release.
While the film continues to build anticipation worldwide, Annu Kapoor’s unfiltered remarks have added a fresh layer of debate, reigniting discussions about artistic freedom, authenticity, and the responsibility that comes with adapting one of India’s most sacred epics for the big screen.
