Bollywood is gearing up for one of its most ambitious mythological adaptations—Ramayana, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari. Produced by Namit Malhotra, this magnum opus is being crafted with a global team of visionary creators and top-tier artists, aiming to bring the age-old Indian epic to life like never before.

The film is set to be released in two parts, with Part 1 already completed and Part 2 slated to begin production soon. Featuring an ensemble cast, the film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Yash as the formidable Ravana, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana.

Srinidhi Shetty Was the Original Choice for Sita

In an interesting revelation, KGF actress Srinidhi Shetty disclosed that she was initially considered for the iconic role of Sita. During a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, the actress shared that she had given a screen test for the role before it eventually went to Sai Pallavi.

“Now that the shoot is already in progress, I can talk about it,” said Srinidhi. “Yes, I did audition and prepare three scenes very well. The feedback was great, they loved the performance.”

She added, “At that time, Yash was announced as part of Ramayana, and KGF 2 had just released. The pair (Yash and I) was fresh in people’s minds, so the idea of us playing opposing characters—he as Ravana, I as Sita—might have been too much to digest for the audience.”

Despite not landing the role, Srinidhi praised the casting of Sai Pallavi, calling her a “great choice” for Sita. “When something works, it’s great; when it doesn’t, it still opens new doors,” she added with grace and optimism.

Unveiling Ramayana’s Stellar Cast and Vision

Though the official cast has not been formally announced, leaked on-set photos have confirmed Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi in their respective divine avatars. These images have already sent fans into a frenzy, further intensifying the anticipation around the film.

Yash, the Kannada superstar known for his intense screen presence, will portray the fearsome Ravana, while Ravi Dubey, known for his versatility, takes on the role of Lakshmana.

This adaptation is being hailed as India’s biggest cinematic venture, with a focus on epic-scale VFX, emotive storytelling, and a faithful yet modernized retelling of the Ramayana.

Ramayana’s Release Dates: Mark Your Calendars

The film is set to premiere in two parts:

Ramayana Part 1: Diwali 2026

Ramayana Part 2: Diwali 2027

This Diwali blockbuster lineup is expected to captivate global audiences with its majestic storytelling, mythological depth, and larger-than-life visuals.

Why Ramayana Could Redefine Indian Mythological Cinema

Ramayana isn’t just another retelling—it’s an ambitious cinematic project poised to compete with global mythological sagas like The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones. With cutting-edge production values and a deeply spiritual narrative, the film has all the elements to revolutionize Indian filmmaking on the world stage.

Nitesh Tiwari, known for directing hits like Dangal and Chhichhore, is bringing his visionary touch to ensure that Ramayana appeals to both domestic and international audiences. Backed by a world-class technical crew, including VFX professionals from Hollywood, the movie aims to create an immersive universe that blends tradition with technology.

Final Thoughts

As India awaits the arrival of Ramayana, the buzz around the film continues to grow. The casting drama, behind-the-scenes developments, and leaked glimpses have only added fuel to the excitement. While Sai Pallavi’s portrayal of Sita is now confirmed, fans still wonder what could have been with Srinidhi Shetty in the role.

Regardless, Ramayana promises to be a defining moment in Indian cinema, fusing mythology with modern storytelling. With a legendary story, a powerhouse cast, and a visionary team behind it, this two-part epic is all set to make Diwali 2026 and 2027 truly unforgettable.

Stay tuned, because “Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost.”