Actor Kunal Kapoor has opened up about his experience working on the upcoming Ramayana, describing the atmosphere on set as “almost meditative” and saying the film aims to present audiences with a new cinematic experience while remaining faithful to the familiar story.
Kapoor, who is set to portray Lord Indra Dev in the film, said the challenge of adapting the Ramayana lies not in changing its story but in finding a fresh way to bring it to the screen. He pointed to the film’s cinematography, action and music as elements intended to distinguish this version from previous retellings.
Kapoor said generations of audiences have grown up with the Ramayana and already know how the story unfolds. According to the actor, the upcoming film preserves that narrative while attempting to create a different emotional and visual experience for moviegoers.
Reflecting on the production itself, Kapoor said he had never previously experienced a film set with a similar atmosphere. Despite the scale of the project, he described the environment as unusually quiet and focused, with the cast and crew conscious of the cultural significance of the material they were adapting.
Kapoor said working on a story deeply connected to India’s cultural heritage alongside people invested in the material made the experience particularly meaningful and something he expects to remember long after production.
The actor also addressed online discussions surrounding the film’s visuals, costumes and other creative decisions. Kapoor acknowledged that criticism from audiences who care deeply about the story, as well as people who understand filmmaking, can provide worthwhile feedback.
At the same time, he said the filmmakers cannot respond to every opinion circulating on social media, particularly commentary designed primarily to attract attention or go viral. Kapoor said his approach is instead to remain focused on the work itself.
He also expressed confidence in director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra, saying both have invested heavily in the project and are committed to ensuring that every aspect of the production receives close attention.
Ramayana features an ensemble cast that includes Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol, Lara Dutta and Kunal Kapoor.
The film is scheduled for theatrical release on November 6, 2026.
