Ravi Dubey on Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana Sacrifice: “Audience Can Tell When You’re Faking It”

As anticipation builds for Nitesh Tiwari’s epic Ramayana, Ravi Dubey, who plays Laxman opposite Ranbir Kapoor’s Lord Ram, has opened up about the extraordinary sacrifices made by the cast. In a revealing podcast conversation with Ranveer Allahbadia, Dubey shared insights into the transformative journey of bringing India’s most sacred epic to life—and why the fear of appearing “fake” drove everyone to push beyond their limits.

Ravi Dubey’s Ramayana Cast Details

“This Feels More Like a Yagya”

Ravi Dubey didn’t mince words when describing the intensity of the Ramayana experience. The actor revealed that playing Laxman fundamentally changed him as a person, requiring complete lifestyle transformation to embody the devotion and values the character represents.

“That role changed me. I had to transform myself to do justice to it because the audience can easily tell when you are faking it,” Dubey explained. “I completely altered my routine. In fact, all of us did, including Ranbir Kapoor. He has sacrificed so much for this film. This feels more like a yagya.”

The comparison to a yagya—a sacred Hindu ritual of sacrifice—underscores the spiritual and physical commitment the cast brought to the project. For more Bollywood updates and behind-the-scenes coverage, visit our cinema section.

Ranbir Kapoor’s Transformation

Dubey showered praise on his co-star, describing Ranbir Kapoor’s dedication to portraying Lord Ram with authenticity. The actor emphasized that Kapoor completely restructured his life to inhabit the character’s nobility, grace, and divine presence.

“Ranbir has an incredible aura. He’s quiet, graceful, and deeply committed. He carries a very soft energy, and I think that’s something everyone who meets him would feel,” Dubey shared. This marks Kapoor’s first mythological role, and according to Dubey, the pressure to honor such a revered character drove unprecedented preparation.

The transformation wasn’t merely physical—it extended to how the actors behaved, reacted, and even spoke on set. This method approach aimed to ensure that every moment felt genuine rather than performative, addressing Dubey’s core concern: audiences instantly recognize inauthentic acting.

The Fear Factor: Authenticity Over Performance

What makes Dubey’s comments particularly revealing is his candidness about the cast’s shared anxiety. Playing characters from the Ramayana—figures revered by millions across generations—meant facing scrutiny unlike any regular film role.

“We all did everything in our power to stay true to these characters, in how we behave, react, and even speak,” Dubey explained. This wasn’t about delivering performances; it was about channeling the essence of these legendary figures in ways that would resonate with both devoted believers and general audiences.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for a project with an ₹835 crore budget and cultural significance spanning millennia. For updates on this and other major releases, check TechnoSports.

Contrasting Energies: Ranbir vs. Yash

Interestingly, Dubey also highlighted the different energies his two superstar co-leads brought to set. While Ranbir Kapoor embodied quiet grace and introspection—perfectly aligned with Lord Ram’s character—Yash, who plays Ravana, displayed a contrasting warmth.

“Yash, on the other hand, is an extremely friendly person, very warm and genuine. Both of them are very different, yet equally kind-hearted,” Dubey noted. This dynamic between the lead actors mirrors the philosophical depth of the epic itself, where even the antagonist possesses complexity and scholarly brilliance.

Production Scale and Timeline

Ramayana Part 1 wrapped filming in June 2025 after an intensive production schedule in Mumbai and other locations. The emotional final day saw Ranbir Kapoor and Ravi Dubey sharing a heartfelt hug, with the cast cutting a massive cake to celebrate the completion of what producer Namit Malhotra called “a noble quest over a decade in the making.”

The film is being produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios, Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, and directed by Nitesh Tiwari, whose previous successes include Dangal and Chhichhore. With visual effects handled by DNEG and music potentially involving international collaborators, the production aims for global cinematic standards.

Watch more about the making of Ramayana on official channels and stay updated at TechnoSports. For authentic Bollywood news, visit Pinkvilla.

Why This Matters

Ravi Dubey’s revelations offer rare insight into the psychological and physical demands of mythological filmmaking in modern India. Unlike Western superhero films where actors portray fictional characters, Ramayana’s cast faced the unique challenge of embodying figures considered divine by millions.

The fear of being called out for “fake acting” wasn’t about critical reviews—it was about potentially disrespecting cultural heritage and disappointing generations who’ve grown up hearing these stories. This level of responsibility transformed the filming process from mere acting into what Dubey aptly described as a yagya: a sacred offering requiring complete surrender.

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