Actor Gulshan Devaiah has come out in support of Ranbir Kapoor’s highly anticipated film Ramayana, asking audiences to stand behind the ambitious project even if they do not personally like the final product. The actor believes that Indian films attempting to reach audiences across the world deserve encouragement because their success could open doors for the wider film industry.
In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Gulshan discussed the film’s international ambitions and explained why he considers the makers’ vision important. His comments arrive at a time when Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is generating considerable discussion over its scale, casting and interpretation of the Indian epic.
The actor acknowledged that people may have different opinions about a film, but argued that its broader contribution to Indian cinema should also be considered. For him, a project that attempts to reach international audiences while remaining connected to Indian culture represents a positive step.
His remarks have added another prominent voice to the growing conversation around Ranbir Kapoor and Yash’s upcoming mythological drama.
Why Gulshan Devaiah Compared Ramayana With RRR
During the conversation, Gulshan referred to SS Rajamouli’s RRR to explain why Indian filmmakers should be encouraged to think beyond the domestic market.
The 2022 action drama, starring Ram Charan and Jr NTR, received international attention and performed strongly in the United States. Its global reception helped demonstrate that an Indian film rooted in its own storytelling traditions could connect with audiences unfamiliar with its cultural background.
Gulshan admitted that he did not personally connect with RRR in the way some viewers did. However, he appreciated the film’s international success and what it represented for Indian cinema.
According to the actor, Rajamouli’s achievements helped establish a foothold for Indian filmmakers in a highly competitive global entertainment market. He suggested that other directors could build on that progress by making films with similarly ambitious international goals.
Gulshan sees Ramayana as another opportunity to expand the reach of Indian storytelling. Rather than judging the project only through individual preferences, he wants audiences to recognise the potential benefits of its global ambitions.
The comparison is significant because RRR demonstrated how a culturally specific story could attract viewers worldwide through strong performances, visual spectacle and accessible storytelling. Whether Ramayana achieves comparable international recognition will depend on its eventual reception, but Gulshan believes the ambition itself deserves support.
Ramayana Aims to Reach Indian and International Audiences
One of the main reasons behind Gulshan’s support is the film’s reported intention to connect with both the Indian diaspora and audiences outside the Indian community.
The Ramayana is one of the most widely recognised stories in Indian cultural and literary tradition. Its characters and themes have inspired generations of readers, theatre performers, television creators and filmmakers.
However, adapting such a revered epic for modern cinema comes with considerable expectations. Many viewers have a strong emotional connection to earlier portrayals, particularly Ramanand Sagar’s iconic television series featuring Arun Govil as Lord Ram.
Gulshan acknowledged that this nostalgia can influence how audiences evaluate a new interpretation. People may compare contemporary performances with the versions they remember from childhood, making the task more challenging for actors and filmmakers.
He also emphasised that convincing audiences ultimately depends on the quality of filmmaking, including performances, visual presentation and the ability to make scenes emotionally engaging.
For Ramayana, the challenge will be to honour the cultural significance of the epic while presenting it in a cinematic form that can resonate with viewers across different countries and generations.
Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi Lead the Cast
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana: Part One features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana.
The casting has attracted substantial attention, particularly because the three actors bring different screen identities and fan bases to the project. Ranbir’s portrayal of Lord Ram is especially anticipated, given the importance of the character and the legacy of previous adaptations.
Yash’s appearance as Ravana has also generated curiosity, with audiences eager to see how the filmmakers approach the epic’s central conflict. Sai Pallavi’s casting as Sita adds another major performer to the ensemble.
The film is planned as the first instalment of a two-part cinematic adaptation. The makers have announced a worldwide theatrical release for November 5, 2026, coinciding with the Diwali period.
Its scale and international distribution plans have positioned it as one of the most closely watched Indian film projects of the year.
The Challenge of Recreating a Beloved Indian Epic
Adapting Ramayana for the big screen is not simply a matter of bringing familiar characters to life. The story carries religious, cultural and emotional significance for millions of people, and audiences may have different expectations about how its characters should be portrayed.
Gulshan’s comments highlight the tension between nostalgia and fresh interpretation. While previous versions remain important to viewers, new filmmakers also have the opportunity to introduce the epic to younger generations and international audiences.
The success of such a project will depend on whether it can balance cultural sensitivity with compelling storytelling and cinematic ambition.
For Indian cinema, a successful international run could also encourage studios to invest in more large-scale stories drawn from Indian history, mythology and literature.
Gulshan Devaiah’s Message Goes Beyond One Film
Gulshan’s support for Ramayana reflects a broader argument about the importance of Indian cinema’s global reach. He believes that filmmakers should be encouraged to pursue international audiences without abandoning the cultural roots that make their stories distinctive.
His comparison with RRR also shows that supporting a film’s wider ambitions does not necessarily mean every viewer must personally enjoy it. A project can still contribute to the industry by creating opportunities, attracting international attention and encouraging future filmmakers.
As anticipation builds around Ranbir Kapoor and Yash’s Ramayana, Gulshan’s remarks have added to the debate about the film’s potential impact.
Whether the adaptation matches its enormous expectations remains to be seen. For now, the actor’s message is clear: ambitious Indian films deserve a chance to reach the world, and their success could benefit the industry as a whole.
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