Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, who is best known for his portrayal of Shaktimaan, has shared his thoughts on the ongoing trend of mythology-based films in the industry. His remarks come amidst discussions about Ranbir Kapoor portraying Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, following his intense role as Rannvijay in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s directorial Animal.
Khanna emphasized the sanctity of mythological characters, urging filmmakers to handle these portrayals with care. “Ram and Krishna are meant to be divine and beautiful, not conventionally handsome. For instance, you wouldn’t depict Ram or Krishna with a moustache. These characters hold a sacred image – Krishna, for example, is often depicted as gracefully beautiful. Adding a beard or altering his traditional look would completely distort his identity,” he explained.
The veteran actor criticized modern reinterpretations of mythological characters that stray from tradition, pointing out how such changes could hurt sentiments. “Imagine creating an Adipurush where Ram has a moustache, wears leather outfits and slippers, or Hanuman speaks in Tapori language. Such depictions would be highly provocative and disrespectful,” Khanna said in reference to Om Raut’s Adipurush starring Prabhas.
Drawing a comparison, he highlighted Ranveer Singh’s casting. “Ranveer is a brilliant actor, but his flamboyant image doesn’t align with the sacredness required for roles like Shaktimaan or Ram. The actor chosen must embody the essence of these iconic characters. If an actor better suited for Ravan is cast as Ram, it would be unjust to the character of Ram.”
Khanna also addressed the argument of creative freedom, referencing writer Manoj Muntashir’s controversial statements about creating content for children. “Freedom of expression isn’t absolute. Would they dare create content that challenges the faith of other communities like Muslims? No, because they fear backlash. But here, they exploit the freedom, knowing Hindus won’t resort to violence, and gain free publicity worth crores.”
As mythology gains prominence in the industry, Khanna urged filmmakers to approach these subjects with authenticity, reverence, and respect. “Hindus are standing up now, demanding that their beliefs be respected. If you’re working with mythology, ensure it is done with care. These aren’t just stories; they’re a reflection of faith and identity for millions.”
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