Recently, news has surfaced regarding the casting choices for Nitesh Tiwari's highly anticipated adaptation of the Ramayana. Among the revelations, it has been reported that Priyanka Chopra was initially considered for the role of Surpanakha. However, due to her existing commitments to international projects, she was unable to accept the part.
According to sources close to the production, the makers of "Ramayana" were very interested in having Priyanka Chopra portray Surpanakha, recognizing the character's significance as a catalyst in the epic tale. As the sister of Ravana, Surpanakha's actions and her humiliation by Lakshman set in motion the events that lead to the epic battle between Rama and Ravana. The production team believed that Chopra, a global icon known for her talent and versatility, would bring the necessary intensity and depth to the role.
Ultimately, scheduling conflicts arising from Chopra's numerous international ventures prevented her from joining the cast. With Chopra unavailable, the role of Surpanakha has reportedly been offered to Rakul Preet Singh. Sources indicate that Singh impressed the filmmakers during her look test and demonstrated a unique understanding of the character.
Rakul Preet Singh, who recently married actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani, is now expected to bring her own interpretation to the character. While Singh has yet to officially confirm her involvement in the project, insiders suggest that she is excited about the opportunity to step into the world of this mythological saga.
Nitesh Tiwari's "Ramayana" is envisioned as a two-part epic film with a massive budget, making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever made. The film boasts a star-studded cast, with Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Rama and Sai Pallavi portraying Sita. Yash, known for his role in "KGF," will be playing Ravana. Sunny Deol will be seen as Hanuman, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi. Veteran actor Arun Govil, who famously played Rama in Ramanand Sagar's television adaptation, will portray King Dasharath. Other notable cast members include Amitabh Bachchan as Jatayu, Anil Kapoor as King Janak (rumored), and Mohit Raina as Lord Shiva.
The film is slated to be released in two parts, with the first installment expected to hit theaters around Diwali in 2026 and the second part following in 2027. The production team is aiming to create a visual spectacle, employing international-level VFX teams and dedicating a significant amount of time to post-production. The goal is to create a film that not only retells the epic story of the Ramayana but also captivates audiences worldwide with its grandeur and emotional depth.
The casting of "Ramayana" has been a subject of much discussion and anticipation among fans. The ensemble cast brings together some of the biggest names in Indian cinema, promising a fresh and engaging adaptation of the timeless epic. As the film progresses through production, more details about the actors' interpretations of their respective roles are expected to surface, further heightening the excitement surrounding this ambitious project.
