Lights, camera, divinity! Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana cast reveal is pure cinematic gold

When Dangal director Nitesh Tiwari announced he was helming a three-part Ramayana, expectations shot straight into the stratosphere. But it’s the recent cast reveal that’s turned whispers into war cries (of excitement, of course). With a lineup that reads like a dream team of Indian cinema, the upcoming Ramayana promises not just mythology retold, but mythology redefined.

Let’s break down this divine ensemble, shall we?

Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram: The prince of restraint

The casting of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram has been officially confirmed, and photos of the actor in costume on set have already created a frenzy online. Known for playing brooding romantics and conflicted modern men, Kapoor now steps into the role of the ultimate dharma-driven hero—Lord Ram, and it could very well be the most disciplined role of his career—and the most majestic. 

Sai Pallavi as Sita: A goddess with quiet power

Equally confirmed is Sai Pallavi as Sita. Known for her expressive eyes, grace, and emotional depth, the actress has already shot scenes with Kapoor, with leaked images sparking discussions on how this Sita may embody both softness and strength. It’s a casting choice that’s being widely praised for steering away from flashy theatrics in favour of subtle storytelling.

Yash as Ravana: Enter the antihero era

Yash, fresh off his KGF superstardom, has been confirmed as the powerful and enigmatic Ravana. His involvement was made official through a statement by his team, and fans are buzzing about how he will portray one of mythology’s most layered antagonists. This isn’t likely to be a one-dimensional villain—but rather, a Ravana with charisma, intellect, and depth.

The rumoured supporting cast is equally intriguing

While the trio of Kapoor, Pallavi, and Yash has been officially locked in, several rumours surrounding the supporting cast have ignited excitement across the industry.

Sunny Deol as Hanuman

Sunny Deol is widely rumoured to be playing Hanuman, with several entertainment portals reporting on his casting. While there’s no official confirmation yet, his name keeps popping up—and it’s easy to imagine his larger-than-life screen persona bringing gravity to the beloved vanara warrior.

Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi 

Actor and former Miss Universe Lara Dutta is rumoured to be playing Kaikeyi, one of the pivotal queens in Ramayana. While there’s no official word from the team, the possibility of Dutta portraying the complex, often misunderstood character has sparked curiosity. With her commanding screen presence and poise, she certainly fits the bill for a queen torn between ambition and maternal love.

Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha 

Multiple reports suggest that Rakul Preet Singh is being considered for the role of Shurpanakha, Ravana’s sister and a character whose actions set off a major chain of events in the epic. If true, this would mark a bold and exciting choice—Rakul’s versatility could bring both glamour and grit to the often overlooked role.

Bobby Deol as Kumbhakaran 

Another name doing the rounds is Bobby Deol, who is said to be cast as Kumbhakaran, Ravana’s giant brother known for his strength and tragic loyalty. Following the actor’s intense turn in Animal, fans are intrigued by how he might bring both ferocity and vulnerability to this towering mythological figure.

A trilogy in the works?

Multiple industry reports suggest that the Ramayana will be released as a three-part saga, allowing the story the space and scale it deserves. While director Tiwari hasn’t explicitly confirmed the trilogy format, he has emphasised the importance of narrative depth and cultural authenticity in past interviews.

The film is being co-directed by Ravi Udyawar and is reportedly being made on a budget upwards of ₹500 crore, with international VFX artists involved in post-production. This has led fans to draw comparisons with global mythological franchises like The Lord of the Rings and Dune, but grounded in Indian ethos and storytelling.

Divine spectacle incoming

As far as cinematic moments go, this cast reveal feels like the beginning of something big. Larger-than-life storytelling. Iconic characters. A director known for marrying emotion with scale. And a cast that’s already making headlines.

So go ahead—mark your calendars, prep your popcorn, and possibly, grab a front-row seat.

Lead image: Getty

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