By News18
The first glimpse of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, where Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Ram, has set the Internet abuzz. The announcement teaser of the mythological drama was dropped on Thursday, reminding fans of Ramanand Sagar’s iconic 1987 serial Ramayan. Hailed as the best interpretation of the Hindu epic, the television show featured Dipika Chikhlia as Maa Sita. Despite being one of the most revered characters, Dipika was not approached for a role in the upcoming magnum opus.
Speaking with The Times of India, Dipika shared, “I was never approached. I guess they’ve not even bothered to speak to me about it.”
Dipika shared that she does not want to be associated with Ramayana in any other capacity. Elaborating on her reluctance, she added, “Once I played Sita, I don’t think I can play any other character in Ramayan. It’s something I’m not sure about. If I were doing something in Mahabharat or Shiv Puran, I could still give it a thought, but not in a Ramayana film.”
It has been decades since Dipika Chikhlia portrayed Maa Sita on screen, but her legacy remains untouchable even today. Such was her impact that fans would revere her as a living embodiment of the Goddess.
Now, as Sai Pallavi steps into the role, expectations are high. Fans are looking forward to the magic she is set to create on screen. Taking centre stage with her in the film are Ranbir Kapoor, Yash as Ravana, Ravie Dubey as Laxman, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha and Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari.
Nitesh Tiwari, director of the film, said in a statement, “It’s a tale that has endured across millennia because it speaks to something deep and eternal within us. We are not simply making a film. We are offering a vision — one rooted in reverence, shaped by excellence, and made to transcend borders.”
Produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios and the 8-time Oscar-winning VFX studio DNEG, in association with Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, Ramayana is being touted as one of the biggest releases in the near future. Filmed for IMAX, part 1 of the magnum opus will be released worldwide in Diwali 2026, followed by Part 2 in Diwali 2027.