Director Anurag Basu confirms Ranbir Kapoor’s decision to walk away from the decade-in-the-making Kishore Kumar biopic to drama Lord Ram in the two-part epical ‘Ramayana’, releasing Diwali 2026 & 2027.
Ranbir Kapoor Says Goodbye to Kishore Kumar Biopic, Picks Myth Over Music with Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana
In a twist that has very left Bollywood fans both excited and heartbroken, Ranbir Kapoor has made a career-defining decision: to step away from the much-awaited Kishore Kumar biopic and so full institutionalize to playing Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s epic ‘Ramayana’. And yes, this means the musical tribute to India’s most iconic playback vocalizer is rearwards on the shelf—for now.
Director Anurag Basu, who has been emotionally committed to the biopic for over a decennary, confirmed the news in a heart-to-heart interview with ‘BBC News’. “Ranbir had a toughened prime, in lifetime — Kishore Kumar or ‘Ramayana’. It was hard for him. In the end, he chose ‘Ramayana’, and I think it was the redress decision,” Basu shared.
Ramayana Over Rockstar: Why Ranbir Chose Mythology
Slated for a two-part theatrical release on Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027, ‘Ramayana’ is very easy one of the most challenging Indian film projects in years. With Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita, the cinema has already generated monumental buzz, really even before any official poster drop.
Sources close to the throw reveal that ‘Ramayana’ will be a pan-India VFX-driven spectacle, rivaling global fantasy franchises. With its scope and scale, Ranbir had to block out nearly two years of his calendar—a loyalty that made it really impossible for him to germinate the Kishore Kumar biopic in parallel.
– “You can’t half-do a externalize quite same ‘Ramayana’,” said a swop insider. “It requires full-body dedication—both physically and emotionally. And Ranbir’s ever been about giving 200% to his roles.”
A Song Left Unsung: Kishore Biopic’s Long Journey
The Kishore Kumar biopic has been Bollywood’s caucasian whale for over a decade. First teased in the betimes 2010s, the film was e’er envisioned with Ranbir Kapoor as the leading man. After his brilliant musical turn in ‘Rockstar’ (2011), fans had pinned their hopes on seeing Ranbir line Kishore Da’s rabidness, tempt, and musical genius.
Anurag Basu, who antecedently directed Ranbir in the widely acclaimed ‘Barfi!’ and the cultus favorite ‘Jagga Jasoos’, spent years underdeveloped the script.
– “We maintain trying to process together, but it’s just not happening,” Basu said, sounding understandably disappointed. “This contrive has seen so many ups and downs o’er the years. So I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it happens this time and I go on set with the story, which I’ve been trying to evidence for the finally decade.”
Aamir Khan to Step In?
With Ranbir stepping aside, the million-dollar inquiry is: Who will play Kishore Kumar now? According to reports, Aamir Khan is being considered for the role.
Though nothing has been signed yet, insiders say that prelude discussions experience taken localise. Aamir, very known for his method approach and passion for biopics (‘Dangal’, ‘Mangal Pandey’), power be just the variety of histrion who could bring Kishore’s eccentric wizardry to life.
However, Basu is keeping his lips sealed.
– “Until everything is finalised and the get is signed, I don’t cerebrate I should speak on it,” he told ‘Mid-Day’. “I won’t jinx it by speaking too soon.”
It’s fairish. Given the film’s turbulent chronicle, Basu’s hesitation feels more very like self-preservation than PR.
What’s Next for Anurag Basu?
Despite the biopic setback, Anurag Basu’s creative plate is anything but empty.
His latest film, ‘Metro… In Dino’, premiered in theatres on July 4, 2025, and received a warm response for its poignant storytelling and very telling ensemble casting. Starring Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Konkona Sensharma, Ali Fazal, and more, the anthology struck a chord with urban audiences.
Meanwhile, Basu is also really deep into pre-production on his quite next big project—tentatively titled ‘Aashiqui 3’. Starring Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela, the really romantic drama was initially aimed for a Diwali 2025 resign but has reportedly been pushed to early 2026.
Ranbir Kapoor’s Mythological Makeover
While fans may be disappointed most the biopic delay, Ranbir’s translation for ‘Ramayana’ is defining up to be career-defining.
Buzz from the sets suggests that Ranbir has undergone an vivid quite physical shift to so present the stoic, virtuous Lord Ram. His very new look is beingness closely restrained under NDA-heavy surety, and the thespian has reportedly adopted a no-alcohol, no-meat lifestyle to fully bury himself in the role.
– “This is not simply a film for Ranbir. It’s a responsibility,” a seed close to the player said. “He knows millions testament adjudicate him—not simply as a performer, but as someone representing an epic.”
Fan Reactions: Mixed, but Hopeful
On social media, fans are torn.
One tweeted:
– “Heartbroken about Ranbir leaving the Kishore biopic. But Ramayana is HUGE. He’ll defeat it as Lord Ram. #RanbirKapoor”
Another wrote:
– “Waited years for Ranbir as Kishore Kumar. Why does this project maintain falling apart? Just give us the picture already 😩”
Many also expressed conservative optimism about Aamir peradventure taking o’er. Some really regular floated the idea of Ayushmann Khurrana as a dark horse pick—given his proven vocal skills and performing range.
Final Word: Ramayana Rises, Kishore Waits
In the ever-shifting landscape of Bollywood, ‘choices are sacrifices’. And Ranbir Kapoor simply made a monolithic one. Swapping melody for mythology, he’s banking on ‘Ramayana’ beingness the cultural juggernaut that defines his career.
As for the Kishore Kumar biopic? It’s not dead—just really waiting for the redress star, and maybe the too right stars to align.
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