Mumbai: Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has revealed plans to make his directorial debut within the next two to three years, signalling a possible shift in his career towards filmmaking. The actor said he has already started writing the script for his first directorial project while continuing to work on his upcoming acting commitments.
In an interview, Ranbir spoke about his ambitions behind the camera and explained that he wants to complete his current film commitments before moving into direction. His upcoming projects include Brahmastra 2, Animal 2 and Ramayana Part 2.
The actor said he hopes to begin work on his directorial debut within the next two or three years. He also reflected on how his priorities have evolved after spending years working as an actor, suggesting that he wants to explore a different creative role in the film industry.
“I really want to get these films done (Brahmastra 2, Animal 2 and Ramayana Part 2), and really get on floors with my directorial debut within two or three years, I hope,” Ranbir said.
Ranbir Kapoor calls it his last decade as an actor
During the conversation, Ranbir reflected on his acting career and explained why he is considering a transition towards direction.
“I’ve never ever been so committed… But, I guess, it’s my last decade as an actor; will I get to play these parts? I do want to kind of pivot towards direction. I don’t want to direct myself for sure,” he said.
His comments suggest that he is keen to explore opportunities beyond acting while continuing to take on roles that interest him. The actor also clarified that he does not intend to cast himself in the lead role in his directorial venture.
Ranbir has been part of the Hindi film industry for several years and has worked across different genres, from romantic dramas and comedies to action thrillers and larger-than-life productions. Direction would allow him to take on a different set of responsibilities, including developing a story, guiding performances and shaping the overall filmmaking process.
Although he has not revealed the subject or cast of his proposed film, his comments indicate that the project is already in an early stage of development.
Actor says writing a film is more challenging than expected
Ranbir revealed that he began writing the script for his directorial debut a few months ago. However, the process has proved considerably more challenging than he initially expected.
The experience has also given him a deeper appreciation of the work involved in creating a film. While actors are often associated with the visible aspects of a production, directors are responsible for bringing together different creative departments and ensuring that the story takes shape on screen.
Ranbir said the experience of writing had made him understand the effort required from people who create and develop stories. He also spoke about the distinctive satisfaction a director experiences when coordinating a team to communicate a narrative.
According to the actor, the excitement an actor experiences can sometimes be superficial compared with the creative fulfilment of directing an entire film. He described the director’s experience as particularly rewarding, suggesting that bringing different elements together to tell a story offers a unique sense of achievement.
He further observed that, after musicians, directors experience an unmatched creative high through their work.
The comments reflect how his understanding of cinema is evolving as he moves from performing in front of the camera to considering the larger creative process behind a production.
Ranbir explains how he balances acting and writing
The actor also discussed how he manages his time between acting assignments and developing his directorial project.
Ranbir said he generally works for around 100 to 125 days a year as an actor. This schedule gives him some time to concentrate on writing and explore ideas for his proposed film.
Writing a screenplay requires sustained attention, and the actor’s comments suggest that he is using the time between his acting commitments to develop the project.
However, he has not disclosed a confirmed production schedule or a release date for his directorial debut. His stated target remains to take the film on floors within the next two to three years, after completing his current line-up.
Family dramas and feel-good films inspire his directorial vision
Ranbir also offered an indication of the kind of cinema he would like to make as a director.
He cited films such as Life Is Beautiful and It’s a Wonderful Life among his inspirations. He also expressed admiration for the filmmaking style of director Rajkumar Hirani.
These references point towards his interest in emotionally engaging stories that connect with audiences. Ranbir said he would like to direct a family drama that leaves viewers with a warm, feel-good experience.
The actor’s preference suggests that his first film may explore relationships and human emotions rather than focus primarily on spectacle or action. However, he has not confirmed a genre, storyline or other creative details for the project.
His admiration for Rajkumar Hirani’s cinema is also notable, given the filmmaker’s reputation for combining humour, emotion and socially relevant themes in popular Hindi films.
For now, Ranbir appears to be exploring the fundamentals of filmmaking through script development while continuing his work as an actor.
Ramayana and other upcoming films remain his priority
Before making the transition to direction, Ranbir has several major acting projects lined up. These include Brahmastra 2, Animal 2 and Ramayana Part 2.
He recently appeared as Lord Rama in director Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, which also features Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman and Yash as Ravana.
The film’s ensemble cast also includes Arun Govil as King Dashrath, Indira Krishnan as Queen Kaushalya, Lara Dutta as Queen Kaikeyi and Rakul Preet Singh as Supranakha.
The makers recently released the Hanuman Chalisa music video alongside the film’s post-credits scene, introducing Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman.
Ramayana: Rise of a Legend released in theatres on November 5, 2026. Its release marks another major project in Ranbir’s current acting career.
With Brahmastra 2, Animal 2 and the second part of Ramayana still on his list, the actor has indicated that he wants to complete these commitments before concentrating fully on direction.
His proposed debut remains at the scripting stage, but his latest comments offer a glimpse into his ambitions for the next phase of his career. If his plans stay on schedule, Ranbir could move behind the camera within the next few years, bringing a new creative dimension to his work in Hindi cinema.