A Mythological Marvel Unveils: Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Ramayana’ First Look Arrives
The anticipation surrounding Nitesh Tiwari’s monumental cinematic adaptation of the ancient Indian epic, Ramayana, reaches a fever pitch today. After two years of meticulous secrecy, the world is finally set to witness the initial glimpse of this ambitious project. Ranbir Kapoor, embodying the revered Lord Ram, leads an ensemble cast in what promises to be a visual and emotional spectacle. This three-minute preview, premiering on July 3rd, marks the audience’s first true introduction to the universe crafted by director Nitesh Tiwari.
Who Embodies the Iconic Characters in Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’?
While much of the cast has remained tight-lipped about their roles, key figures have offered intriguing insights into their preparations for portraying these mythological giants. The meticulous casting choices are clearly designed to bring depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Yash’s Intense Portrayal of Ravan
Kannada superstar Yash, who also serves as a producer on this grand venture, previously shared his profound connection to the formidable antagonist, Ravan. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, Yash articulated his fascination with the character, stating that Ravan was the only role that truly captivated him in the Ramayana epic. He emphasized the vast scope for a unique and nuanced interpretation, promising an exciting and distinct portrayal of the demon king. His commitment hints at a Ravan unlike any seen before on screen, exploring the complex shades of a character often reduced to mere villainy.
Sunny Deol’s Reverent Approach to Hanuman
Veteran actor Sunny Deol, set to portray the mighty Lord Hanuman, also recently expressed his heartfelt sentiments regarding the role. In an interaction with Zoom, Deol admitted to a sense of “nervousness and fear,” yet found beauty in the challenge. He conveyed his confidence that the dedication of the entire cast and crew would do justice to the beloved epic, ensuring audience satisfaction. His words reflect the immense responsibility that comes with embodying such a revered figure in Indian mythology.
The Stellar Supporting Cast of ‘Ramayana’
The film boasts an impressive lineup of talent filling crucial roles. Sai Pallavi steps into the divine shoes of Sita, while Ravie Dubey embodies the loyal Laxman. Notably, Arun Govil, who famously portrayed Lord Rama in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic Doordarshan series Ramayan, returns to the epic, this time as Ram’s father, King Dashrath, a poignant casting choice that bridges generations of storytelling.
Further deepening the ensemble, reports indicate Rakul Preet Singh will play the intriguing character of Surpanakha, with Vivek Oberoi as her husband, Vidyutjihva. Indira Krishnan is set to portray Lord Ram’s mother, Kaushalya. Adding to the regal intrigue, Kajal Aggarwal is rumored to be Mandodari, Ravan’s queen, and Lara Dutta is expected to take on the pivotal role of Kaikeyi, whose actions set in motion the epic’s central conflict. The recent wrap of Part 1 filming saw Ranbir Kapoor and Ravie Dubey celebrating together, hinting at the camaraderie behind the scenes.
A Grand Scale: The Unprecedented Budget of ‘Ramayana’
Whispers from the industry suggest that Ramayana is being mounted on an astonishing budget of Rs 835 crore, potentially making it the most expensive Indian film ever produced. This astronomical figure underscores the makers’ ambition to deliver an unparalleled cinematic experience, one that pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling and special effects in Indian cinema.
This colossal investment comes with significant expectations, especially given the recent history of mythological epics. The previous adaptation, Adipurush, despite its Rs 500 crore budget and a cast including Prabhas, Kriti Sanon, and Saif Ali Khan, faced severe criticism for its visual effects and dialogues, ultimately faltering at the box office. Ramayana aims to learn from these past lessons, leveraging its massive budget to create a truly immersive and respectful rendition of the revered tale.
‘Ramayana’ Unfolds in Two Epic Chapters: Release Timeline
To fully honor the sprawling narrative of the Ramayana, Nitesh Tiwari’s adaptation will be presented as a two-part cinematic event. The first installment is tentatively scheduled for a grand release during Diwali 2026, a strategically chosen festive period often associated with Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya. The saga will then continue with Part 2, slated to hit screens in Diwali 2027. While the exact release dates await confirmation in the official announcement video, this staggered release strategy allows for a deep dive into the epic’s complex layers, offering audiences a rich, comprehensive narrative experience over two years.
