Ranbir Kapoor and Ravie Dubey in Ramayana 
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Ravie Dubey defends Ramayana co-star Ranbir Kapoor amid casting criticism: ‘Simply the best we have'

Besides Ranbir, Sai Pallavi and Yash, Ramayana: Part 1 also features Sunny Deol, Ravie Dubey, Kajal Aggarwal, Lara Dutta, and Rakul Preet Singh in key roles

Cinema Express Desk

Ravie Dubey, who first rose to limelight with his work in TV shows, will soon be seen in Ramayana: Part 1, the much anticipated mythological epic where he plays the role of Lakshman, with Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Rama. Ranbir received plenty of criticism after the release of the Ramayana trailer, with viewers claiming that he is not suitable for the role of the revered God. During a recent interview, however, Ravie Dubey defended the choice of Ranbir’s casting, also praising the latter for his work ethic. 

Speaking with Variety, Ravie said, “I think Ranbir is simply the best we have. He is a superstar of epic proportions, but what has stayed with me even more is the human being and the artiste I have witnessed at close range. The sincerity with which he comes onto a set is unparalleled.”

While admitting that he had heard a lot about Ranbir’s work ethic, Ravie added, “I had the privilege of witnessing it firsthand. Alongside all of that is this incredibly grounded, warm and inclusive nature. There is no weight of his stardom in the way he interacts with people. I find that enormously inspiring.”

A two-part adaptation of Valmiki’s epic, Ramayana also stars Sai Pallavi and Yash in lead cast. The ensemble cast includes Sunny Deol, Kajal Aggarwal, Lara Dutta, Arun Govil, Rakul Preet Singh, Sheeba Chaddha. Produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in association with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, the Nitesh Tiwari directorial is reportedly being made on a budget of Rs 4,000 crore. 

With a score co-composed by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman, Ramayana Part I is scheduled to arrive in cinemas during Diwali 2026.

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