Ranbir Kapoor as Rama? Director Explains Why Animation Offers a Divine Solution

Casting actors to portray deities in Indian cinema is a delicate balancing act. Director Ashwin Kumar, known for his work on Mahavatar Narsimha, recently shared his perspective on the complexities of this issue, specifically referencing the upcoming Ramayana adaptation starring Ranbir Kapoor.

The Burden of Divinity: Projecting God onto Actors

Kumar argues that in India, audiences often project god-like qualities onto the actors who portray them. This can create a unique challenge, as the actor’s personal life and previous roles can influence the audience’s perception of the divine character they embody. He used Ranbir Kapoor’s casting as Rama as a focal point for this discussion, highlighting the potential for pre-conceived notions to affect audience reception.

Animation: A Solution to the Casting Conundrum?

Kumar suggests that animation offers a potential solution to this casting dilemma. By using animation, filmmakers can bypass the baggage that comes with live-action actors, allowing the audience to focus on the story and the divine characters without the distractions of the actor’s real-world persona. This approach, he argues, allows for a purer representation of the divine, free from the projections and expectations associated with human actors.