Ranbir Kapoor discusses AI and fatherhood during a BBC interview ahead of the film’s Diwali release.
*Ranbir Kapoor promotes the multilingual epic Ramayana: Rise of a Legend ahead of Diwali. He weighs AI's role in Bollywood and reflects on his first months as a father. The interview signals a cultural pivot as tech meets tradition.*
Ranbir Kapoor steps onto the global stage this week as the lead in Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, a high‑budget adaptation of the Indian epic. The film drops just before Diwali, the festival of lights, and will roll out in English and several Indian languages. Kapoor sat down with BBC culture correspondent Noor Nanji to talk about the project, the surge of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, and the personal shift of becoming a new father. The conversation blends cinematic ambition with a tech‑savvy outlook, hinting at how Bollywood may evolve under AI pressure while still honoring mythic roots. Kapoor’s remarks arrive as the industry watches AI tools reshape scriptwriting, VFX and distribution across the world.
The new adaptation of the Ramayana arrives just before Diwali, positioning the release as a cultural event tied to the festival of lights. Kapoor headlines the cast alongside Yash and Sai Pallavi. The producers have opted for a multilingual rollout, offering the film in English and multiple Indian languages to capture both domestic and overseas audiences. The timing leverages the holiday’s high cinema attendance, a strategy common for blockbuster Indian releases. By aligning mythic storytelling with a major festival, the film aims to dominate box‑office charts and set a benchmark for future epic productions.
In the BBC interview, Kapoor flagged AI as a growing influence on Indian cinema. He said the technology is becoming a tool for visual effects, editing and even story development, without replacing the creative spark of directors and actors. Kapoor’s view reflects a broader industry conversation about balancing efficiency with artistic integrity. He warned that unchecked reliance could dilute cultural nuance, but embraced AI’s potential to streamline post‑production and broaden visual possibilities. The comment underscores a shift where Bollywood must adapt to global tech trends while preserving its narrative heritage.
Kapoor described his recent entry into parenthood as a lens that sharpened his emotional range on set. He noted that caring for a newborn heightened his sensitivity to the epic’s themes of duty, sacrifice and love. The actor said the experience added depth to his portrayal of the mythic hero, allowing him to draw on real‑world vulnerability. This personal dimension, he suggested, could resonate with audiences who see the same universal struggles reflected in the ancient story.
Yash and Sai Pallavi share screen time with Kapoor, bringing distinct fan bases and acting styles to the epic. Yash, known for his intense screen presence, adds gravitas to the antagonist role, while Pallavi’s nuanced performances enrich the film’s emotional core. Their involvement signals a strategic casting move to blend star power with critical acclaim, aiming to attract a cross‑generational audience. The trio’s chemistry is expected to drive both domestic box‑office success and international interest, especially as the film reaches non‑Hindi speaking markets through its English version.
The film is released ahead of Diwali, the festival of lights.
It will be released in English and several Indian languages.
BBC culture correspondent Noor Nanji conducted the interview.
Kapoor’s triple focus on myth, machine and motherhood marks a turning point for Bollywood. As Ramayana: Rise of a Legend hits screens, the industry will watch whether AI‑enhanced production can coexist with the timeless narratives that define Indian cinema. The outcome could set the tone for the next wave of tech‑infused epics.
Sources: [BBC World News – Bollywood film star Ranbir Kapoor on AI, movies and fatherhood]