Adinath Kothare reveals why 'Ramayana' with Ranbir Kapoor and Yash is a game-changer; REACTS to 'Saiyaara' success: "It's a good phase

Time of India

4 days ago

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Adinath Kothare
is no stranger to the world of cinema. Born into a legacy of filmmaking—his father,
Mahesh Kothare
, being a legendary name in Marathi cinema—Adinath grew up with storytelling in his blood. But rather than relying on the weight of his lineage, he has carved his own path, one film at a time.
From a wide-eyed child in 'Majha Chakula' to an intense cricketer in '83', a water warrior in 'Paani', and now stepping into the epic world of 'Ramayana' as Bharat, Adinath's cinematic journey has been one of quiet evolution, rich experience, and deeply personal learning.
'We are humans first, then actors'
When asked what his diverse filmography has taught him, Adinath reflects with humility:
'This is a very difficult question to answer… My journey has been very fruitful, filled with amazing experiences.
As an actor, I can't say I've learned a lot—but as a human being, I have. I truly believe we are humans first and then actors. The joy of learning something new, working tirelessly, getting praised and appreciated, taking breaks from hectic schedules, and ultimately finding peace—these are things that teach a person far more than the craft alone.
'
From 'Majha Chakula' to '83': A tale of two first shots
Taking a nostalgic turn, Adinath recalls his earliest memory on a film set:
'While doing Majha Chakula, I had no real understanding of acting or what the atmosphere on a set really meant.
I simply did what my father and the director told me. It was pure fun—and honestly, that's how acting should feel.'
Comparing it to the experience of his first shot in
Kabir Khan
's 83, he says, 'It was a different experience altogether. There were butterflies, there was pressure—but it was worth it.'
'The story is always bigger than the actor'
As someone raised in a filmmaker's household, Adinath has always been attuned to the creative process behind the camera. So, what does he value more—story or actors?
'Story matters to me much more.
If the story is great, the actors also look great. A good story gives performers a real opportunity to explore, express, and bring depth to their characters. Everything starts with the script.'
The curious case of 'Saiyaara': What makes audiences tick?
With his recent film Saiyaara doing surprisingly well at the box office, Adinath remains grateful but grounded:
'It's a good phase. The fact that audiences are going back to theaters is refreshing. If a film does well only in the first week and then drops, it probably didn't connect.
But if it continues to do great business after 2–3 weeks, that's the real proof that people are liking it. Honestly, no one has cracked the formula yet—what works in theaters and what doesn't remains a mystery.'
Bharat in Ramayana: A role rooted in history and emotion
Adinath's next big leap is in
Nitesh Tiwari
's magnum opus Ramayana, where he plays Bharat. Talking about the experience, he beams:
'It's been amazing. All thanks to
Mukesh Chhabra
for giving me this opportunity. I wish I could reveal more, but what I can say is that the script is one of the most detailed and flawless I've ever read. Nitesh sir has been conceptualizing this project since 2016–17. It's been over a decade of writing and preparation, and what will unfold on screen is truly epic. Every character, every casting choice—this film is going to be a treat for the audience.'