Ranbir Kapoor says his words were a ‘slip of tongue’ and clarifies intended message

Ranbir Kapoor has publicly apologised for a verbal error he made while speaking at a Dussehra event in Kolkata earlier this week, saying he meant to emphasise the triumph of truth and goodness rather than suggest their end. The clarification came as the actor continued promotional appearances for Nitesh Tiwari’s two part cinematic adaptation of the Ramayana, which is due in India on November 5.

What happened in Kolkata

The incident took place on October 20 at a Dussehra celebration organised by Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad at Central Park, Salt Lake, Kolkata. Video clips of Ranbir’s remarks circulated widely on social media, provoking a mix of criticism and ridicule. In the clip that spread online, the actor used the Hindi word ant, meaning end, when he intended to use jeet, meaning victory, while describing the outcome of the struggle between good and evil.

Multiple media reports quoting the speech recorded the line that prompted reaction, roughly translated as: no matter how powerful evil may be, in the end truth and goodness meet their end. The choice of words created confusion because it appeared to undercut the customary message of Dussehra, which celebrates the victory of good over evil.

Apology and clarification during a Chennai appearance

Ranbir addressed the controversy at a later event in Chennai, calling the Kolkata remark a slip of the tongue and offering a correction. He said he intended to say that, no matter how powerful evil may be, ultimately truth and goodness prevail. The actor also made a light reference to a lyric from his 2011 film Rockstar, acknowledging with a self deprecating line that sometimes his words do not come out as intended.

The Chennai appearance included other members of the Ramayana promotional team. Sai Pallavi, who plays Sita in the film, accompanied him. The filmmakers and cast have been making a series of public appearances in the weeks before the film’s release, a schedule that critics and commentators noted can be intense for actors and may contribute to slips during long promotion runs.

Why the reaction matters

The backlash underlines how sensitive public messaging can be around films that adapt major religious epics. The Ramayana is one of India’s foundational cultural texts, and any perceived deviation in tone, language or respect while discussing it can trigger swift online response. The film’s scale, star cast and the timing of promotions during major festivals have amplified scrutiny.

Producers and distributors have anticipated strong public attention. The film’s advance bookings opened around Dussehra, and some state governments have declared tax exemptions to encourage viewership. That commercial momentum raises the stakes for cast members to sustain a coherent promotional narrative and avoid controversy that might distract from the film itself.

How the industry and public reacted

Responses on social media ranged from mockery to calls for restraint. A section of users criticised the actor for the wording, while others defended the mistake as a momentary, human error. Trade and entertainment outlets recorded both immediate viral reaction and the subsequent clarification, and some commentators suggested the episode will have limited long term impact on the film’s prospects unless it escalates further.

Industry watchers note that public misstatements by stars are not unusual during heavy promotional periods, and that a prompt apology and clarification often stem fallout. In this case Ranbir’s correction was delivered within days and accompanied by a clear restatement of the intended message.

Context: Ramayana’s rollout and what is next

Ramayana: Part 1, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Prime Focus Studios with DNEG and Monster Mind Creations, is scheduled for a wide release on November 5 in multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. The film’s makers have planned an IMAX presentation and have said the adaptation will be released in two instalments, with Part 2 planned for Diwali 2027.

As promotional events continue in different cities, the cast and crew are likely to face sustained public and media attention. For the film’s producers, managing the narrative around cultural reverence and creative adaptation will be essential, particularly because epics invite heightened emotional responses from audiences.

What to watch for next

  • Further promotional events and how the cast navigates them without repeating missteps.
  • Any official statements from the film’s producers or distributors that address public concerns directly.
  • Box office advance booking trends in the days before the November 5 release, which will show whether the gaffe affected consumer interest.

Ranbir Kapoor’s apology appears to have been aimed at closing the episode quickly and returning focus to the film as it enters its final promotion stretch. With the release less than two weeks away, attention will shift to reviews, audience reception and the film’s performance at the box office.