Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana Unveils Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi and Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara in Striking New First-Look Posters Producers of the upcoming epic Ramayana starring Ranbir Kapoor have revealed character posters featuring Lara Dutta as Queen Kaikeyi and Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara. 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. What this means for you This announcement clarifies the timeline and production scale for fans eagerly following high-concept Indian mythological cinema. • For Moviegoers: Audiences will need to follow a multi-year timeline, with the first installment arriving on Diwali 2026 and the sequel in Diwali 2027. The production will offer high-end viewing choices in IMAX theaters worldwide. • For Regional Audiences: Multilingual distribution across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam ensures broad accessibility across diverse linguistic markets. Viewers can watch the spectacle in their preferred regional language. • For Technical Enthusiasts: The involvement of eight-time Academy Award winner DNEG suggests a benchmark visual effects presentation. The visual styling points to high production values unseen in previous adaptations. • For Cast Followers: The character reveal builds momentum for the remaining ensemble appearances, particularly Yash and Sunny Deol. Enthusiasts can anticipate further individual looks as production moves ahead. Why this happened The promotional reveal was executed to introduce the fundamental narrative catalysts that propel the central conflict of the epic. • Narrative Catalysts: Kaikeyi and Manthara are the foundational figures whose decisions trigger Lord Ram's exile from Ayodhya. The studio highlighted these characters to ground the film in its pivotal dramatic conflict. • Phased Marketing Strategy: With the first film scheduled for Diwali 2026, releasing character posters early builds steady global curiosity over an extended campaign window. • Confirming Casting Decisions: The official poster release puts an end to industry speculation regarding the visual treatment and casting of Lara Dutta and Sheeba Chaddha in these critical historical roles. Questions & Answers 1. Which role is Lara Dutta playing in the movie Ramayana? Lara Dutta portrays Queen Kaikeyi in the upcoming cinematic adaptation. 2. What character does Sheeba Chaddha play in the film? Sheeba Chaddha portrays the critical character of Manthara. 3. Who is directing the movie, and who plays the lead characters? The film is directed by Nitesh Tiwari, with Ranbir Kapoor starring as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita. 4. When will the two parts of Ramayana release? Part one is set for a Diwali 2026 release, followed by part two arriving in theatres during Diwali 2027. 5. Who portrays Ravana and Hanuman in this adaptation? Rocking Star Yash plays Ravana, while Sunny Deol takes on the role of Hanuman. 6. In which languages and formats will the movie be released? The film will be released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam languages, and will also feature an IMAX release. https://trendkia.com/en/bollywood/nitesh-tiwari-ki-ramayana-men-maharani-kaikeyi-banin-lara-dutta-manthara-ke-rupa-men-sheeba-chaddha-ka-pahala-postara-jari-45484 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.