Ranbir Kapoor says he trained with an Indian Olympian for Ramayana

Actor Ranbir Kapoor has said he started preparing for his role as Lord Rama in the epic Ramayana almost 18 months before the cameras rolled. He said he worked with an Indian Olympian to learn archery and took part in workshops on movement, breathing and physical work.

Speaking at the film's Los Angeles premiere of Ramayana Part 1, Kapoor said getting the action right mattered to make his performance believable. "Lord Rama was a great archer," he said. "So, about a year and a half before we started filming, I worked with an Indian Olympian on the right technique." He said he spent time in New York and also took classes locally.

Training beyond the bow

Kapoor said physical skill was only one part of the job. He said the harder task was understanding who Rama is. "What soul are you putting into the character?" he asked. "I could be playing Lord Rama, but the soul is mine. How do I change that?"

He also described workshops run by Terry Notary, who is part of the film's action team with Guy Norris. Kapoor said Notary taught the cast breathing exercises, how to walk, and how to climb a tree. Kapoor said he values learning new skills on each film, but added that Ramayana holds a special place because the story and its characters are so widely loved.

The film in theatres

The film is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra and Yash. It runs 195 minutes and is now showing in theatres. Its cast includes Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana, along with Sunny Deol, Anupam Kher and Vivek Oberoi. The film's story follows Rama's exile with Sita and his brother Lakshmana, after King Dasharatha keeps a promise made to Queen Kaikeyi. It is not yet known when the film will release on streaming platforms.