The trailer of Ranbir Kapoor’s much-awaited film Ramayana: Part 1 has been postponed. It was originally scheduled to release today, July 24, but was delayed at the last moment, leaving fans disappointed.
Meanwhile, Dipika Chikhlia, who played Sita in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic TV series Ramayan, has questioned the film’s portrayal of certain facts. She believes the new adaptation will not match the legacy of the original television series.
Dipika Chikhlia raises questions over incorrect portrayal of facts
Dipika Chikhlia, who played Goddess Sita in Ramanand Sagar’s TV show Ramayana, questioned the portrayal of Sita (played by Sai Pallavi) with curly hair in the film Ramayana. In an interview given to Variety India, Dipika said about Sai Pallavi, “In Tulsidas’s Ramayana, Sita is described as a woman with almond-shaped eyes, a certain stature, long hair, and fair complexion. This is what Ramanand Sagar was also looking for, and he found that form in me.”
Deepika played the role of Goddess Sita in the TV show Ramayan.
Further, she said, “My identity is still as Sita. Many times people forget my name, but they remember that I played the role of Sita. This is my identity. I think the impact of our Ramayan will be very profound on the film ‘Ramayan’. During the pandemic, when our Ramayan was re-telecast on Doordarshan, the new generation also watched it. In such a situation, it is very difficult to erase that image. Nowhere in Ramayan is it mentioned that Sita Ji had curly hair.”
Annu Kapoor has also raised questions about Sai Pallavi’s casting
Senior actor Annu Kapoor recently questioned the casting of South actress Sai Pallavi as Mata Sita in the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer film Ramayana. In a recent interview with Zoom, Annu Kapoor stated that biopics should not be made in India. Further, Annu Kapoor commented on Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming film Ramayana, saying, ‘What will they make? Whatever they make, they will technologically make Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana very glitzy and full of unnecessary showmanship. But after that, think about who you have given the role of Sita to. Sita is a mother; Hindus of this country consider Shri Ram Chandra to be an incarnation of Narayana, and who have they cast in the role of Mata Sita? Now you think about it.’
Ramayana’s trailer postponed
The producer of the film Ramayana, Namit Malhotra, has issued a statement on the official social media account announcing the postponement of the trailer. He stated that the trailer has been postponed after partnering with Sony Pictures Entertainment, as they are now trying to bring it to a world level.
At the end of the statement, Namit Malhotra also mentioned the student protest. He wrote, “I express my heartfelt gratitude to all the fans and supporters who believe in Ramayana, because of whom this has been possible. The youth of our country is our future. Let us all work together to protect our future and contribute our best to make it better. Jai Hind.”
Ramayana: Part-1 will be released on 8 November
Notably, the epic saga film Ramayana is one of the most awaited films in Indian cinema. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi plays Mata Sita in this film. The film is scheduled to be released on 8 November.
Ramayana’s distribution rights to fetch the highest price
According to a Variety India report, the film’s producers are demanding ₹450 crore for the distribution of the Hindi version of the film Ramayana. Whereas, until now, the most expensive distribution rights were sold for Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming film King for ₹250 crore. Even if this film deals for up to ₹300 crore instead of ₹450 crore, it will become the biggest distribution deal in the history of Bollywood.
Key points related to the film ‘Ramayana’ –
- In the film, Ranbir Kapoor will be seen as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravan, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman.
- Arun Govil, who played the role of Ram in the 1987 TV show ‘Ramayan’, will be seen in the role of King Dasharath in this film.
- The total budget of the film is said to be approximately 4,000 crore rupees, which makes it one of the most expensive films in Indian cinema.
- The film is being directed by Nitesh Tiwari, who made the highest-grossing Indian film, Dangal.
- The film’s music is being prepared by Oscar-winning A.R. Rahman and Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer.
- The film is being produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios, DNEG, and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations. The film will be released on IMAX.
- The visual effects (VFX) for the film are being handled by Oscar-winning studio DNEG and Prime Focus.
- The film will be released in two parts. The first part will be released in cinemas on Diwali 2026 and the second part on Diwali 2027.
