Shiv Sagar On Ramayana: Loves The VFX & Casting Of Yash-Sai Pallavi, Unsure About Ranbir Kapoor

Shiv Sagar, grandson of legendary filmmaker Ramanand Sagar—the creator of the iconic 1987 television series Ramayan—has shared a mixed reaction to the trailer of Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming two-part Ramayana. While he praised the film’s grand visuals and select casting choices, he expressed clear reservations about Ranbir Kapoor portraying Lord Ram.

In a recent video interview, Shiv Sagar noted that the newly released trailer marked a significant improvement over the earlier teaser, offering more insight into the characters and visual effects. He particularly appreciated the casting of Yash as Ravana and Sai Pallavi as Sita. “I really like the casting of Yash as Ravan and Sai Pallavi as Sita because they’re from South India, and these actors really understand our mythology,” he said. He added that stories of the epic form part of their cultural upbringing, enabling them to capture the characters’ mannerisms effectively.

However, Sagar was less enthusiastic about other casting decisions, especially Ranbir Kapoor as Ram. “Typically, what we have done is always cast a fresh face for a character like Ram. Because Ranbir has a lot of baggage with him, especially after Animal, I really don’t know if he will be accepted as Ram,” he remarked. Despite this concern, he lauded the film’s VFX and Nitesh Tiwari’s vision, highlighting sequences such as Surpanakha’s dramatic entry on a tiger chariot and the conception of the Pushpak Viman.

Sagar expressed hope that the ambitious project succeeds, noting that it could introduce Indian mythology to a global audience. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana: Part One features music by A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer. It is scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release, with the sequel planned for 2027. The film continues to generate widespread discussion as it approaches its theatrical debut.

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