In a move that has sparked significant conversation across the Indian film industry, veteran actor Arun Govil—the man who became a household name for his portrayal of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s legendary 1987 TV series—has officially weighed in on the upcoming cinematic adaptation of the Ramayana.
Speaking at a recent event, the 68-year-old actor addressed the swirling rumors and intense public scrutiny surrounding director Nitesh Tiwari’s massive two-part project. Most notably, Govil dismissed attempts to compare the new film to the 2023 movie Adipurush, while also offering a grounded perspective on the inevitable comparisons to his own classic show.
For many, Arun Govil is the definitive face of Lord Ram. However, the veteran actor has expressed strong confidence in Ranbir Kapoor, who is set to take on the mantle in the new big-screen version. Govil, who will actually be appearing in the film as King Dasharatha (Ram’s father), described Kapoor as not just a “fine actor” but also a “good human being.”
“To play a God, you have to have a good, pure soul. You have to be a good human being as well. I believe that in order to play the role of God, you should look like that. The look is very important. When people see you, they should see God in you,” Govil shared during an interview with PTI.
One of the strongest points Govil made was regarding the 2023 film Adipurush, which faced heavy criticism for its visual effects and modern take on the epic’s dialogue. Govil was quick to draw a line between the two projects, stating simply: “There is a lot of difference between Ramayana and Adipurush.” His dismissal suggests that Nitesh Tiwari’s version is taking a much more traditional and respectful approach to the source material, moving away from the controversial creative liberties that hindered the Prabhas-starrer.
Understanding the Legacy of the 1980s
When asked about the public’s tendency to compare every new version to the 1987 Doordarshan classic, Govil remained humble. He acknowledged that Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan set a “standard” that has lived in the hearts of millions for decades.
Natural Comparisons: Govil believes it is natural for fans to compare, as the original show remains a cultural benchmark. No Bad Blood: He stated that “no one should feel bad” about these comparisons, as they come from a place of deep devotion and love for the epic.
The Casting: Along with Ranbir Kapoor, the new film features a star-studded cast including Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash (of KGF fame) as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman.
The upcoming Ramayana is being produced on a massive scale by Prime Focus Studios and DNEG, with music by legends Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman. The first part is currently slated for a worldwide release during Diwali 2026, with the conclusion following in Diwali 2027.
For fans, the endorsement from the “Original Ram” provides a sense of relief and excitement. By playing the father figure in this new iteration, Govil isn’t just passing the torch—he’s helping to light it. To know such latest updates tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
