In an interview with Deadline Hollywood at the Red Sea Film Festival 2024, actor Ranbir Kapoor stressed the importance of making "Indian" films that are "rooted in our culture" and presenting them to the world.
Citing the examples of films like Lagaan and RRR, the Brahmāstra actor pointed to the fact that the S.S. Rajamouli film, starring Ram Charan and NTR Jr., wasn't inspired by any film made in the west or any other country or their culture. "It all comes down to originality and the value system and not catering to the West. RRR celebrates that in the best way possible," he said.
When asked which of his 21 films has impacted him the most, Kapoor mentioned his debut, Saawariya, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. "It was a box-office disaster; it was a very ridiculed film. So, that prepared me early on, giving me an idea of the industry, what it's like to be an actor, the highs and lows. I was humbled by my first. Failure has changed me more than success," he said.
Kapoor also opened up about his upcoming films, which include Dangal-fame Nitesh Tiwari's two-part Ramayana films, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love and War, Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal Park, and the Brahmāstra sequel.
The actor, who plays Lord Ram in Ramayana, said the prospect of working in it and the idea of telling "India's greatest story" to the new generation with currently available technology is "exciting and gratifying".
"We have artists and creators, and crew members from all around the world," he added.
As for Animal Park, the actor revealed that Sandeep Reddy Vanga would start working on it only in 2027 as the filmmaker is in the process of making another project, revealing that the duo discussed taking the character through three films. In Animal Park, Kapoor will essay both the protagonist and antagonist, as revealed in the end credits of Animal.
Brahmāstra: Part 2, which sees Ayan Mukerji returning to the director's seat, is currently in the writing stage, Kapoor said, with the entire casting yet to be announced.
Love and War, which sees Kapoor reuniting with Bhansali, also co-stars Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal.
