Ranbir Kapoor has revealed the extensive preparation behind his portrayal of Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. The actor began training nearly 18 months before filming, working with an Indian Olympian to learn archery and attending specialised workshops to build the physicality required for the mythological character.
Speaking to Review Nation following the film’s Los Angeles premiere, Ranbir explained that archery was an essential part of his preparation because Lord Rama is traditionally depicted as a skilled archer. He also spent time in New York attending additional classes as he worked to get the technique right. <Cite refs={[“turn862340search0″,”turn862340search1”]} />
Ranbir Kapoor’s 18-Month Archery Training
Ranbir said he started learning archery well before cameras began rolling, focusing on technique rather than simply performing the action for the screen.
“Lord Rama was a great archer. So, about a year and a half before we started filming, I worked with an Indian Olympian on the right technique,” the actor said. <Cite refs={[“turn862340search0″,”turn862340search1”]} />
However, Ranbir stressed that mastering the physical skills was only one part of the challenge. He said the deeper task was understanding Lord Rama’s essence and deciding how to bring his own interpretation to a character with a long cultural and spiritual legacy.
The actor reflected that reading about the character and studying different interpretations could only take him so far. The central question, he explained, was how to bring a new emotional depth to the role while respecting the figure’s significance.
Workshops Focused on Movement and Breathing
Ranbir also worked with action and movement expert Terry Notary, whose credits include the Planet of the Apes films. Notary’s workshops covered more than combat or stunt choreography, helping the cast explore how their characters move and interact with their surroundings.
According to Ranbir, the sessions included breathing techniques, walking, climbing trees and other physical exercises. The training was designed to help actors develop a more complete physical performance rather than relying only on action sequences. <Cite refs={[“turn862340search0″,”turn862340search10”]} />
Ranbir described the experience as a rewarding part of acting, noting that each film can offer opportunities to learn new skills. He also said Ramayana would remain special to him because of the story’s beloved characters.
Ramayana: Part 1 Nears Its Theatrical Release
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana: Part 1 stars Ranbir as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Sunny Deol plays Hanuman, while Ravie Dubey appears as Lakshman. <Cite refs={[“turn862340search0″,”turn862340search1”]} />
The film is scheduled to release worldwide in cinemas on November 5, 2026, with the Los Angeles premiere held on October 27. As the first instalment of a planned two-part adaptation, it brings together a large cast and a major production effort to present the epic for contemporary audiences.
Ranbir’s comments offer a glimpse into the work behind the role: a combination of physical discipline, movement training and the more personal challenge of understanding Lord Rama’s character.
