The grand unveiling of the first look of Nitesh Tiwari’s magnum opus Ramayana on Thursday, July 3, has ignited a storm of excitement across social media and cinephile circles. As the veil was lifted on one of India’s most ambitious mythological cinematic ventures, fans were left awestruck by the powerful imagery and casting choices that brought to life the epic’s eternal characters.
At the heart of the visual spectacle stood Ranbir Kapoor, revealed in the majestic avatar of Lord Ram. With a calm intensity and regal demeanor, his portrayal in the stills suggests a deeply committed transformation into the noble prince of Ayodhya. Beside him, Yash—known for his towering performances—appeared as the formidable Ravana, exuding an aura of menacing grandeur. His look captured the paradox of the demon king: an embodiment of might and intellect wrapped in darkness.
However, it was the serene presence of Sai Pallavi, cast as Goddess Sita, that added a divine softness to the film’s narrative reveal. In a heartfelt post shared on her Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), Sai Pallavi expressed her profound gratitude for being chosen for such a sacred role. Her note struck an emotional chord with fans and film lovers alike.
Sai Pallavi wrote,
“With the blessings of Maa Sita, I get to experience her journey, along with pioneers picked by the divine to recreate the epic! With a cast and crew like this, I pray that you all experience the wonder that we’re working towards achieving.”
The humility in Sai Pallavi’s words resonated with audiences, many of whom lauded her spiritual connection to the role. Known for her grounded performances and deep-rooted cultural ethos, Sai Pallavi’s casting was widely seen as an inspired choice, aligning both artist and character in spirit and sincerity.
The unveiling also confirmed an ensemble cast of immense caliber: Ravi Dubey steps into the pivotal role of Lakshman, Lord Ram’s loyal brother; Rakul Preet Singh portrays the often-misunderstood Surpanakha, and Sunny Deol takes on the powerful role of Hanuman, whose devotion and valor are central to the Ramayana’s core.
Director Nitesh Tiwari, acclaimed for his emotionally potent storytelling in films like Dangal and Chhichhore, seems poised to deliver a cinematic retelling that blends visual grandeur with heartfelt emotion. While the full trailer and release date are still under wraps, this first look has set the tone for what is anticipated to be a landmark in Indian cinema.
More than just a movie, Ramayana is being positioned as a cultural moment—an effort to revive and reframe India’s mythological legacy with authenticity, reverence, and artistic brilliance. If the unveiled visuals and early sentiments are anything to go by, Tiwari’s Ramayana may not just retell a tale, but reawaken a spiritual journey for the modern world.
