Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Sheeba Chadha as Manthara Unveiled
New posters for Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana reveal Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi and Sheeba Chadha as Manthara, setting the stage for the epic drama.
The epic scale of Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated Ramayana continues to expand as new character reveals have sent waves through the film industry. In a recent social media update, the makers unveiled striking posters introducing Lara Dutta as Queen Kaikeyi and Sheeba Chadha as the manipulative Manthara, marking a pivotal moment in the storytelling of this grand saga.
The Architects of Destiny
The newly released imagery focuses on the characters responsible for one of the most significant turning points in the ancient epic. The posters suggest a deep psychological drama lurking beneath the regal surface of Ayodhya.
Lara Dutta’s portrayal of Kaikeyi presents her in a majestic and royal avatar. Clad in elaborate traditional attire and adorned with heavy jewellery, the posters emphasize her status as a powerful Queen. However, the narrative weight of her character is heavy; she is depicted as the mother whose two fateful wishes would eventually betray a father’s love and alter Lord Rama’s destiny forever.
Complementing this is Sheeba Chadha, who takes on the role of the cunning Manthara. Her character poster shows her holding a staff, projecting a distinct and unsettling presence. The makers have hinted that it is Manthara’s whispers that will transform a mother’s affection into a period of darkness for the entire kingdom.
An Expanding Ensemble Cast
These reveals follow the recent announcement of Arun Govil joining the cast. In a move that bridges generations of viewers, Govil—who famously portrayed Lord Ram on television—will step into the role of King Dashrath, the ruler of Ayodhya.
The massive two-part epic features a powerhouse ensemble, including:
- Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama
- Sai Pallavi as Sita
- Yash as Ravana
- Sunny Deol as Hanuman
- Ravi Dubey as Lakshman
Production and Release Details
Produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with the 8-time Oscar-winning DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, the film is being envisioned as a cinematic spectacle. The project is being handled on a global scale, with Sony Pictures managing international distribution and Dharma Productions handling the Hindi-speaking market in India.
Audiences will have to wait a little longer to witness this vision on the big screen. The first part of the epic is scheduled for a worldwide release on November 5, 2026. The story will then continue in Part 2, set to arrive during Diwali 2027. The film will be released in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam, and will be available in IMAX format.