One of the most ambitious and expensive film projects in Indian cinema history is finally taking shape — the ₹835 crore epic ‘Ramayana’, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. With Ranbir Kapoor leading the cast and Bollywood legends like Amitabh Bachchan on board, this mythological masterpiece is already creating massive buzz across the country.
Here’s a detailed look into the confirmed and rumored cast, the grandeur of the project, and why this cinematic version of Ramayana could redefine Indian film storytelling on a global scale.
The Vision Behind the ₹835 Crore ‘Ramayana’
The film is being directed by acclaimed filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari, best known for Dangal and Chhichhore, and backed by powerful producers like Madhu Mantena and Allu Aravind. With a reported budget of over ₹835 crore, the makers are aiming for a pan-India, multilingual cinematic experience, blending visual spectacle with faithful retelling of Valmiki’s epic.
It’s not just a film, but an event — planned as a trilogy and involving heavy VFX, international technicians, and deep attention to mythology, costume, and authenticity.
Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram
Leading the cast is none other than Ranbir Kapoor, one of Bollywood’s most versatile and respected actors. After his powerful performance in Animal and the fantasy epic Brahmāstra, Ranbir is reportedly going through a physical and mental transformation to portray Lord Ram with the dignity, strength, and grace the character demands.
Reports suggest that he has been training in archery, working on a lean physique, and maintaining a spiritual lifestyle to align with the role. This is expected to be one of the most defining roles of his career.
Sai Pallavi as Sita
Opposite Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, the South Indian sensation, has been cast as Goddess Sita. Known for her natural acting and graceful screen presence, Sai Pallavi brings a refreshing and devotional aura to the character. Her casting has been widely appreciated for moving away from conventional glamour and focusing on authenticity and grace.
This marks her Bollywood debut, and fans are excited to see her portray the divine figure of Sita Mata with emotional depth and purity.
Amitabh Bachchan as Dasharath
In one of the most exciting casting revelations, Amitabh Bachchan will be portraying King Dasharath, the noble father of Lord Ram. The presence of Big B in the film brings both gravitas and emotional weight to the narrative.
At 81, Amitabh Bachchan continues to choose powerful roles, and this portrayal is expected to be deeply moving, especially in the emotional scenes involving Ram’s departure to the forest. His voice, expressions, and presence will undoubtedly enhance the impact of these crucial sequences.
Yash as Ravana
The antagonist of the Ramayana, Ravana, will be played by none other than Yash, the KGF superstar. With his powerful screen presence, intense expressions, and mass appeal, Yash is the perfect choice to embody the proud and complex demon king of Lanka.
He will reportedly undergo a massive transformation and will appear in a completely new look. The VFX-enhanced sequences of Lanka and Ravana’s palace will be among the film’s highlights.
Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha
In a surprising and bold casting choice, Rakul Preet Singh has been selected to play Surpanakha, Ravana’s sister — a character who plays a pivotal role in triggering the central conflict of the Ramayana.
Surpanakha’s role, though brief, is iconic and powerful. The scene involving her proposal to Ram and Lakshman, followed by her humiliation, is considered one of the key turning points in the epic. Rakul’s glamorous and intense avatar will bring both allure and emotional depth to the role.
Other Rumored and Supporting Cast Members
While the primary cast has been making headlines, several other roles are being speculated:
- Sunny Deol as Hanuman (rumored) – With his commanding voice and strength, he could be an ideal fit.
- Lara Dutta or Manisha Koirala as Kaikeyi – Both names are circulating for the complex mother figure.
- Vijay Sethupathi as Vibhishan – Another powerful character rumored to be played by the Tamil superstar.
- Bobby Deol as Kumbhakaran – The role of Ravana’s giant brother might go to the Animal actor.
However, these names have yet to be officially confirmed.
Shooting, Locations, and VFX
The movie is being shot across multiple locations in India and abroad, with sets resembling Ayodhya, Lanka, and the forests of Panchvati. International studios are working on VFX to recreate mythical creatures, divine weapons, and epic battles, including the Ram-Ravana Yuddh, which is expected to be on par with global fantasy films.
A significant portion of the film’s budget is dedicated to visual storytelling, making it not just an Indian mythological film but a global cinematic experience.
Release Date and Multilingual Format
The first part of the trilogy is expected to release in late 2025, and will be launched in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam, with dubbed versions in English and other international languages.
Why This ‘Ramayana’ Matters
India has seen many adaptations of the Ramayana — on television, in films, and on stage. But this version is being positioned as the definitive cinematic Ramayana for the new generation. With an ensemble cast, massive scale, and cultural sensitivity, the film could become both a global blockbuster and a spiritual experience.
Final Thoughts
With Ranbir Kapoor as Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Amitabh Bachchan as Dasharath, Yash as Ravana, and Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is shaping up to be a landmark film in Indian cinema.
It combines mythology, storytelling, and cinematic brilliance — and most importantly, it reminds us of the eternal relevance of dharma, devotion, and sacrifice.
As the film gears up for its grand release, one thing is clear: Indian mythology has never looked more powerful on the silver screen.