In a recent conversation, Ranbir Kapoor compared the mythical Pushpak Viman (the flying chariot in the Ramayana) to Elon Musk’s newly launched flying car, the Roadster, claiming that India had it 5,000 years ago.
Ranbir made the comment during an exclusive interview with TV presenter Suma on her show chat show, where he was joined by co-stars Ravi Dubey, Rakul Preet Singh and Yash along with director Nitesh Tiwari.
The conversation mainly focused on the fantastic elements, the use of weapons in the film and how the team re-imagined them in the present day.
Ranbir, who plays Lord Ram, brought Elon Musk into the conversation to emphasize India’s old creative vision.
Ranbir Kapoor on Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster 😭 I should also add that Elon Musk recently invented a flying car, I think India returned 5000 two days ago India returned 5000 #Ramayana https://t.co/s4kA8JwbNH
— film_world (@yaanpanda1) October 31, 2026
“Elon Musk recently invented a flying car. I think India did it 5,000 years ago!” He said referring to Pushpak Viman.
During the same interview, director Nitesh Tiwari also revealed that Pushpak Viman took almost two years to make.
He said, “It took us almost two years to arrive at the final design, and a lot changed along the way. That’s why it took us so long to create the battle between Ravana and Jatayu. When we were working on the first design of the Pushpak Viman, we thought it would look a certain way, so the fight choreography was done accordingly. However, we finalized different designs for the Viman. Repeat several times to optimize.”
The Ramayana describes the Pushpak Viman as capable of traveling at the speed of thought and expanding to accommodate as many travelers as needed. The trailer of the film also shows the massive flight structure, which gives a glimpse of the innovation of the makers.
The comparison comes as Tesla’s next-generation Roadster is back in the spotlight.
Musk unveiled the long-delayed electric sports car at an event in Waco, Texas on October 15, nearly a decade after revealing the new version.
During a demonstration at SpaceX’s rocket development and testing facility, the car reversed along a large curved ramp, flipped in the air and landed safely. Musk’s reaction after the demonstration was succinct: “Well, it worked.”
According to Hindu mythology, the Vimana (aerial palace) was created by Vishwakarma, the celestial architect, for Lord Brahma. He then gifted the Vimana to Kubera, god of wealth and Ravana’s half-brother. Ravana defeated Kubera and stole the Pushpak Vimana.
Ramayana will hit theaters worldwide on November 5.