Anticipation surrounding the cinematic retelling of the Indian epic Ramayana has gained significant momentum following the official unveiling of two pivotal character posters. While Ranbir Kapoor headlines the high-profile project portraying Lord Ram alongside Sai Pallavi as Sita, the creative team has now provided a first look at the figures who set the legendary exile in motion. Lara Dutta steps into the shoes of Queen Kaikeyi, whereas veteran performer Sheeba Chaddha takes on the role of her influential confidante Manthara.
Crucial Characters That Shifted the Course of Ayodhya
The newly unveiled promotional imagery highlights the fateful junction that altered the trajectory of Ayodhya and the destiny of Lord Ram. According to the traditional lore, it was Queen Kaikeyi's insistence on claiming two promises granted to her earlier that compelled King Dasharatha to arrive at an agonising royal decree. Working behind the scenes was Manthara, whose calculating manipulation clouded the queen's judgment and catalyzed the turning point of the entire epic narrative.
Visual Aesthetics of Lara Dutta and Sheeba Chaddha
The visual presentation of Lara Dutta reflects the regal elegance and authority of an Ayodhya queen, adorned in elaborate royal attire and heavy antique jewellery. In sharp contrast, Sheeba Chaddha appears in an austere and distinct guise representing Manthara, standing resolutely with the support of a wooden walking staff. Describing the character dynamics, the official promotional message noted that the posters represent a queen and mother whose dual boons altered an affectionate father's resolve, driven by a cunning mind that steered familial devotion toward the kingdom's gravest turmoil.
Ensemble Cast and Staggered Global Release Schedule
Helmed by director Nitesh Tiwari, this mega-budget production features a star-studded pan-Indian cast. South Indian star Yash is set to portray the formidable demon king Ravana, Sunny Deol appears as Lord Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey depicts Lakshman. The ambitious cinematic endeavor is jointly produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios, the eight-time Academy Award-winning visual effects studio DNEG, and Yash's Monster Mind Creations.
The sprawling narrative has been structured as a two-part global theatrical release. The first installment is scheduled to hit cinemas worldwide during Diwali 2026, while the concluding chapter will follow during Diwali 2027. Both chapters will be distributed across multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam, alongside specialized presentations in the IMAX format.
