Anticipation surrounding director Nitesh Tiwari's cinematic retelling of the epic Ramayana has surged following the arrival of a brand new promo on October 15. Mounted on a massive scale with a budget of 4000 crore, the project presents Ram not merely as a divine deity, but as a resilient human figure carrying the world's hopes for salvation. While the production's visual effects and expansive star cast have generated significant conversation across the entertainment world, fresh focus has turned to the pivotal role of Kaikesi, the mother of Lanka king Ravan. National Film Award-winning performer Shobana will portray the character, anchoring an important chapter in the mythological narrative.
Real Life Age Gap Between Yash and On-Screen Mother Shobana
Kannada superstar Yash steps into the imposing role of Ravan, setting up an intriguing dynamic with his on-screen mother. Despite playing mother and son on the big screen, the age gap between Shobana and Yash stands at just 16 years. Born on March 21, 1970, Shobana is currently 56 years old. Yash was born on January 8, 1986, and is 40 years old. According to mythological lore, Kaikesi was the wife of sage Vishrava and gave birth to Ravan. Entrusting such a foundational role to a veteran performer like Shobana highlights the production's intent to bring gravitas to every character arc.
A Distinguished Career Spanning Over 220 Feature Films
Shobana ranks among the most celebrated artists across South Indian cinema, having worked in over 220 films throughout her career. Her filmography includes acclaimed performances across Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu cinema, earning numerous commercial blockbusters and prestigious honors, including the National Film Award for acting. Beyond her work in front of the camera, she is a distinguished Bharatnatyam dancer known globally for her classical artistry. Her inclusion alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Yash adds seasoned dramatic depth to an already star-studded production.
Ensemble Cast, Groundbreaking Visuals, and Global Musical Collaboration
The cinematic adaptation brings together prominent talent from across Indian cinema. Ranbir Kapoor takes on the central mantle of Lord Ram, while Sai Pallavi portrays Sita. The mythological ensemble is further strengthened by Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey stepping into the shoes of Lakshman. Producer Namit Malhotra is backing the ambitious venture, ensuring cutting-edge visual effects. On the musical front, the film features a historic collaboration between Academy Award winner A. R. Rahman and celebrated Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer, uniting Indian classical depth with grand orchestral arrangements.
Premiere Schedule for the Mythological Epic
With promotional footage now circulating and the cast finalized, excitement has intensified among moviegoers. The ambitious cinematic universe will roll out in installments, allowing the expansive lore of the epic to be thoroughly explored. The first installment of Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana is officially scheduled to arrive in theatres worldwide on November 5, 2026.
