Sunil Lahri says Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana lacks the ‘divinity’ of original

Veteran television star Sunil Lahri, who became a household name as Lakshman in B.R. Mukherjee’s 1980s serial "Ramayan," has publicly expressed disappointment with the upcoming film version starring Ranbir Kapoor. In an interview cited by The Indian Express, Lahri said the new project lacks the "divinity" that defined the original series.

Ranbir Kapoor, one of Bollywood’s leading actors, is set to portray the titular hero in a high‑budget adaptation of the ancient epic, generating considerable buzz across the industry. The film is expected to blend modern cinematic techniques with the mythological narrative, aiming to attract both longtime fans and a younger audience.

Lahri’s remarks reflect a broader concern among some veterans that contemporary retellings may stray from the spiritual tone that resonated with viewers decades ago. While he did not elaborate on specific creative choices, his comment underscores the challenge of balancing reverence for a cultural classic with fresh storytelling approaches.