Ranbir Kapoor is set to portray Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s highly ambitious adaptation of the Ramayana, which is scheduled to release in two parts during Diwali 2026 and 2027. But this career-defining role came at a cost — Kapoor had to step away from the much-discussed Kishore Kumar biopic, a project that’s been in development for over a decade.
Filmmaker Anurag Basu, who was to direct the biopic, confirmed in an interview with BBC News that Ranbir had to choose between the two films due to overlapping timelines. Basu explained that it was a difficult decision for the actor, as both projects held significant creative value. Ultimately, Kapoor chose Ramayana, a move Basu believes was the right one given the scale and timing.
Ranbir Kapoor and Anurag Basu have previously worked together in Barfi (2012) and Jagga Jasoos (2017). Despite their mutual interest in collaborating again, their schedules have made it nearly impossible. Basu noted that they often discuss potential projects but haven’t been able to align their timelines.
The Kishore Kumar biopic, once closely associated with Kapoor, now appears to be inching forward with a new name. As reported by Mid-Day and Pinkvilla, Aamir Khan has been approached for the titular role. While Khan and Basu have reportedly held multiple meetings to explore the project, nothing has been officially signed yet. Basu remained cautious about commenting further, stating that the film has faced numerous delays in the past and he doesn’t want to "jinx" it by speaking too soon.
Apart from Ramayana, Kapoor has an impressive slate of upcoming films, including Animal Park, Love & War, Dhoom 4, and Brahmastra 2. Love & War, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is inspired by Sangam and features a love triangle set against a war backdrop.
Despite the setbacks around the biopic, Basu remains hopeful that the Kishore Kumar story will finally make it to the screen. He emphasised that the story is one he has long wanted to tell and is patiently waiting for the right moment and team to bring it to life.
Filmmaker Anurag Basu, who was to direct the biopic, confirmed in an interview with BBC News that Ranbir had to choose between the two films due to overlapping timelines. Basu explained that it was a difficult decision for the actor, as both projects held significant creative value. Ultimately, Kapoor chose Ramayana, a move Basu believes was the right one given the scale and timing.
Ranbir Kapoor and Anurag Basu have previously worked together in Barfi (2012) and Jagga Jasoos (2017). Despite their mutual interest in collaborating again, their schedules have made it nearly impossible. Basu noted that they often discuss potential projects but haven’t been able to align their timelines.
The Kishore Kumar biopic, once closely associated with Kapoor, now appears to be inching forward with a new name. As reported by Mid-Day and Pinkvilla, Aamir Khan has been approached for the titular role. While Khan and Basu have reportedly held multiple meetings to explore the project, nothing has been officially signed yet. Basu remained cautious about commenting further, stating that the film has faced numerous delays in the past and he doesn’t want to "jinx" it by speaking too soon.
Ramayana: A Landmark Project
Meanwhile, Ramayana is shaping up to be one of the most expensive and anticipated Indian films, reportedly mounted on a Rs 4000 crore budget, as per producer Namit Malhotra. The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, and Yash as Ravana. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the two-part film is being pitched as a game-changer for Indian cinema.Apart from Ramayana, Kapoor has an impressive slate of upcoming films, including Animal Park, Love & War, Dhoom 4, and Brahmastra 2. Love & War, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is inspired by Sangam and features a love triangle set against a war backdrop.
Anurag Basu’s Other Ventures
While the Kishore Kumar biopic remains in limbo, Basu has kept busy. His most recent film Metro… In Dino, featuring an ensemble cast including Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, and Konkona Sen Sharma, received a positive response upon its release on July 4. His next, reportedly titled Aashiqui 3, starring Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela, is expected to release in early 2026.Despite the setbacks around the biopic, Basu remains hopeful that the Kishore Kumar story will finally make it to the screen. He emphasised that the story is one he has long wanted to tell and is patiently waiting for the right moment and team to bring it to life.
