Stepping onto the sprawling sets of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, Kunal Kapoor—known for his gritty performance in Rang De Basanti—felt the weight of an epic that had already been told in countless films and TV serials. The role of Indra Dev, a powerful yet enigmatic deity, gave him a chance to explore a character who balances divine authority with human vulnerability, a nuance he says the director treats with reverence.
Kapoor admits that audiences already know the story, but he argues that what makes this version stand out is the sensory experience. "We’ve captured the same narrative, but the way it’s shot—every frame, every beat—feels like a fresh canvas," he says, hinting at sweeping cinematography, high‑octane action sequences and a score that fuses classical motifs with contemporary beats.
The production itself feels like a silent symphony. He recalls the hum of the crew settling into a calm rhythm, almost meditative, contrasting with the chaos of a set that could have cost a fortune. "The passion from Namit Malhotra and Nitesh Tiwari is palpable—every set piece, every costume, everything feels like a labor of love," Kapoor notes, recalling how even the smallest details were meticulously crafted.
Social media chatter has been relentless, with some critics pouncing on costume choices and visual effects. Kapoor admits he doesn’t sift through every comment, preferring to focus on the craft. "A few voices speak from a place of genuine understanding, but many just want to go viral," he remarks, shrugging off the noise with a grin.
With the first part already in the pipeline, fans can expect a cinematic adventure that feels both familiar and startlingly new. The promise lies in the film’s ability to turn a timeless narrative into a visual spectacle, and Kapoor’s experience on set suggests the team is ready to deliver a story that will resonate beyond the usual retellings.