Veteran actor Arun Govil, remembered by generations for playing Lord Rama in Ramayan, has dismissed attempts to pit the upcoming big-screen Ramayana against Adipurush.
Speaking to Press Trust of India on the sidelines of an event organised by FWICE and Cine Artiste Welfare Trust in Mumbai, Govil said comparisons are natural once an adaptation becomes a cultural benchmark—but they shouldn’t become a tool to tear down new interpretations.
“The look is very important”
Govil argued that portraying a revered figure comes with a specific audience expectation, stressing that appearance plays a key role in credibility on screen. “Comparisons are always made when a standard is set…,” he said, adding that “the look is very important” so viewers can “see God” in the portrayal.
In the same breath, he endorsed Ranbir Kapoor in the role, saying the actor is “looking very good” as Lord Ram and calling him a “good actor and a good human being.”
“There is a lot of difference”
On the repeated Ramayana-versus-Adipurush comparisons, Govil was blunt: “There is a lot of difference between” the two projects, signalling that audiences should evaluate each on its own creative intent rather than as a rivalry.
His role in the new film
Govil also confirmed he plays King Dasharatha (Lord Ram’s father) in the film directed by Nitesh Tiwari, and noted that he completed his portion of the shoot long ago, describing his experience with the unit as positive.
The project features an ensemble cast including Yash, Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol and Ravie Dubey.
Why the comparisons keep returning
Govil’s comments land in a climate where every new Ramayana adaptation is measured against memory—especially after the backlash around Om Raut’s 2023 film starring Prabhas. Govil’s line is clear: treat the new film as its own creative undertaking, not a contest of portrayals.
—By Manoj H