Veteran actor Arun Govil, who became a household name with his iconic portrayal of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar's television classic, is poised to make a remarkable return to the world of Ramayana. This time, he will be seen in a completely different avatar, essaying the role of King Dashrath in director Nitesh Tiwari's highly anticipated cinematic epic.
A Casting Choice That Sparks Conversation
The announcement of Arun Govil playing King Dashrath has ignited widespread discussion among fans of the original Ramayan series. Many find it intriguing to see the actor who once embodied Lord Ram now stepping into the shoes of his father, King Dashrath, in this new adaptation.
Reacting to Dipika Chikhlia's Perspective
In a recent interaction with IANS, Arun Govil addressed comments made by his former co-star Dipika Chikhlia, who gained fame as Sita in the classic television series. Chikhlia had expressed that she finds it challenging to envision Govil in any role other than Lord Ram, stating that seeing him as King Dashrath felt "a little out of context" for her.
Responding with characteristic calmness, Arun Govil said, "This is her own point of view, and everyone is entitled to their own outlook in life." He gracefully acknowledged her perspective while embracing his new role in the ambitious project.
Praising Ranbir Kapoor's Portrayal
During the same conversation, Arun Govil shared his thoughts on working with Ranbir Kapoor, who will be portraying Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari's film. He spoke highly of the younger actor, expressing admiration for both his professional skills and personal qualities.
"He is a very fine actor, everyone knows he is a fine actor, and I could understand him as a fine human being also," Govil remarked. "I wish him all the best, he has done well." This endorsement from the original Lord Ram adds significant weight to Kapoor's casting in this pivotal role.
An Ambitious Cinematic Vision
Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana represents one of the most technically ambitious projects in Indian cinema history. The film is being produced through a collaboration between Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios, visual effects giant DNEG, and Yash's Monster Mind Creations.
Star-Studded Ensemble Cast
The film features an impressive lineup of talent:
- Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram
- Sai Pallavi as Mata Sita
- Yash as Ravana
- Sunny Deol as Hanuman
- Ravi Dubey as Lakshman
- Arun Govil as King Dashrath
World-Class Technical Team
What makes this adaptation particularly noteworthy is its exceptional technical crew:
- Music by Oscar-winning composers Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman
- Stunt direction by Guy Norris of Mad Max: Fury Road fame
- Movement coordination by Terry Notary, known for his work in the Avengers franchise
This combination of stellar casting and technical excellence positions Ramayana as a landmark project that aims to redefine epic storytelling in Indian cinema. The film brings together generations of talent, bridging the iconic television adaptation with a contemporary cinematic vision that promises to captivate audiences worldwide.
