Sadhguru Backs Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana Casting: ‘Actors Aren’t Gods – Let’s Not Judge Them as Such’
Spiritual Leader Defends Artistic Freedom in Epic Retelling Sadhguru Urges Fans to Focus on Story, Not Actor’s Personal Life Ramayana Film Faces Backlash Over Ranbir Kapoor’s Casting
NewsArc Entertainment Desk | October 30, 2025
Mumbai – In a timely intervention amid swirling controversies over Bollywood’s ambitious Ramayana adaptation, spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev has come out strongly in support of lead actor Ranbir Kapoor, urging the public to temper expectations and embrace artistic liberty. Dismissing waves of online criticism as misguided, Sadhguru emphasized that performers like Kapoor are mere interpreters of timeless tales, not literal embodiments of divine icons. “You can’t expect him to become Lord Ram,” he remarked, cutting through the noise with his signature blend of pragmatism and profundity.
The uproar stems from the high-stakes project helmed by director Nitesh Tiwari, a live-action retelling of the epic that boasts a star-studded lineup, including Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Announced earlier this year, the film has generated buzz for its reported Rs 800 crore budget and cutting-edge VFX, aiming to blend mythological grandeur with modern storytelling. Yet, Kapoor’s selection as the noble Rama – the epitome of virtue and valor in Hindu lore – has ignited fierce debates. Detractors, including vocal social media influencers and some cultural commentators, have accused the 42-year-old actor of moral inconsistencies, pointing to his past relationships and public persona as clashing with the character’s idealized purity. Hashtags like #BoycottRamayana and #NotMyRama have trended sporadically, amplifying calls for a “more fitting” casting choice.
Sadhguru, addressing the frenzy during a recent session at his Isha Foundation, reframed the discourse around the essence of cinema and spirituality. “Art is about evoking the spirit of a story, not replicating divinity in flesh and blood,” he elaborated, drawing parallels to ancient theatrical traditions where performers donned multiple roles without personal judgment. He cautioned against the “unfair burden” placed on actors, arguing that such scrutiny not only stifles creativity but also dilutes the sacred narratives’ universal appeal. “Lord Ram’s lessons transcend any one face; they’re in the heart of the telling,” Sadhguru added, advocating for a celebration of the film’s intent over nitpicking its messengers.
This isn’t the first time Bollywood’s brush with mythology has sparked such divides. From Deepika Padukone’s portrayal of Piku to the Mahabharata-inspired Kalyug, adaptations often walk a tightrope between reverence and reinvention. Industry insiders note that Kapoor, known for nuanced roles in films like Animal and Brahmastra, brings a grounded intensity that could humanize Rama for younger audiences – a deliberate choice in an era where epics must compete with superhero sagas.
Filmmakers behind the project have remained tight-lipped, but sources close to the production hint at reshoots incorporating traditional consultations with scholars to honor the source material. Meanwhile, Kapoor himself has stayed above the fray, focusing on workshops that delve into the Ramayana’s philosophical depths. His wife, Alia Bhatt, subtly alluded to the support in a recent interview, saying, “Great stories invite us all to reflect, not reject.”
Sadhguru’s endorsement arrives as a balm for a polarized fandom, reminding stakeholders that cinema’s power lies in inspiration, not imitation. As post-production ramps up for a 2026 release, the question lingers: Will audiences heed the guru’s wisdom and let the epic unfold, or will the shadows of expectation dim its light? In the grand theatre of life, as Sadhguru might say, the real dharma is in the dialogue.
