Both Ranbir Kapoor and Mahesh Babu have been officially confirmed to portray Lord Ram, sparking a lively fan debate across social media. Ranbir will headline Nitesh Tiwari’s two‑part Ramayana, slated for Diwali 2026 and 2027, while Mahesh Babu appears briefly in SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi, a film that draws heavily from the epic. The first glimpse of Ramayana, released in July, generated a thunderous response, and the Varanasi title launch on 15 November further fueled the hype, with fans quickly pitting the two stars against each other.
Ranbir’s calm, innocent aura and subtle intensity are being highlighted as the perfect fit for the serene yet fierce Ram. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra noted his childlike gentleness and quiet strength, qualities that naturally echo the legendary prince, while co‑star Ravie Dubey described Ranbir’s demeanor as “quiet, graceful, and deeply committed” – traits that complement the character’s dignified composure. With age already in his favor, Ranbir seems to carry a slight edge in capturing Ram’s blend of serenity and intensity.
Mahesh Babu, on the other hand, brings a charismatic charm and witty expressiveness that fans associate with the playful Lord Krishna, making him a natural choice for that role in future projects. Although his screen time as Ram in Varanasi is brief, the Telugu superstar’s larger‑than‑life presence and radiant smile have already earned praise, with many netizens arguing he could outshine Ranbir in the role. Well, with a filmmaker like SS Rajamouli on his side, Mahesh might rediscover how lord Ram looks like. The fan war intensified after the Varanasi teaser, with comments like “Now Ranbir Kapoor will have sleepless nights” trending on X, while a segment of users urged support for both actors.
The upcoming teasers and trailers for both Ramayana and Varanasi are expected to amplify the rivalry, as audiences anticipate how each actor will bring the iconic deity to life. While Ranbir’s age and tranquil screen presence give him a subtle advantage for Ram, Mahesh’s magnetic charisma reserves him a special place for any Krishna interpretation. Both stars possess the gravitas and fan following required to make their respective portrayals unforgettable.