'Our Originality Should Remain Intact': Gajendra Chauhan on 'Ramayana'
Mahabharat actor Gajendra Chauhan shares his views on the upcoming Ramayana film, VFX, and the importance of cultural originality.
Gajendra Chauhan, the veteran actor who became a household name for his portrayal of Yudhishthira in the iconic television series Mahabharat, has shared his candid thoughts on the upcoming cinematic adaptation of the Gajendra Chauhan on Ramayana project. While offering his congratulations to the filmmakers, Chauhan raised critical points regarding the film's title and the shift toward heavy visual effects in modern mythological storytelling.
The Debate Over 'Ramayana' vs 'Ramayan'
One of the primary concerns raised by the actor is the naming of the film. Chauhan pointed out that throughout his extensive career, which spans hundreds of mythological productions, the traditional term used has always been 'Ramayan,' not 'Ramayana.' He applied the same logic to 'Mahabharat,' noting it should not be referred to as 'Mahabharta.'
For Chauhan, this is not merely a linguistic preference but a matter of cultural identity. He argued that India's rich heritage should be presented to the world in its purest form. Instead of altering Indian traditions or names to make them more palatable or accessible to international audiences, he believes the world should be encouraged to embrace Indian culture as it is.
"We should try to bring other people into our culture, rather than adopting their culture. People in the West are adopting Indian culture, with 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' being popular there. Our originality should remain intact," Chauhan stated.
The 'Loss of Soul' in Modern Productions
Beyond the title, Chauhan reflected on the evolution of mythological storytelling from the era of television epics to today's big-budget cinema. He expressed a poignant concern that the "soul" of these stories is being lost in the transition.
Recalling his time on the sets of Mahabharat, he emphasized that the impact of the show came from a deep, spiritual involvement of the entire team. According to him, the dialogues, costumes, sets, and acting all possessed a certain essence that is often missing in contemporary projects.
VFX vs. Emotional Depth
With the rise of Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) and high-end visual effects, Chauhan warned that realism might be compromised. While he acknowledged that younger generations, who are accustomed to animation, might be attracted to these visuals, he maintained that lasting success depends on emotional authenticity rather than technical spectacle.
The Challenge of Star Power
The upcoming film features a star-studded cast, including Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Rocking Star Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. However, Chauhan suggested that the overwhelming public image of established stars can sometimes hinder the audience's ability to fully identify the actor with the divine character.
He cited the examples of Arun Govil and himself, noting how they became synonymous with Lord Rama and Yudhishthira, respectively. He believes this enduring association was a result of total immersion and authenticity in their performances—a quality he hopes modern actors will strive for.
About the Film
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Monster Mind Creations, the film is planned as a two-part epic. The first part is scheduled for a worldwide release on November 5, 2026, with the second part expected to arrive during Diwali 2027.