‘Ramayana’: Beyond Rama and Ravana, here’s who plays whom in Nitesh Tiwari’s adaptation

Ranbir Kapoor and Yash in ‘Ramayana’ | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Nitesh Tiwari’s much-awaited adaptation of the Ramayana releases on November 5. Built on a large scale with a host of characters, Ramayana will feature Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravie Dubey as Lakshmana and Arun Govil as King Dasharatha.Ramayana is known for its characters and how their arcs drive Rama’s journey. Even the upcoming film will see these characters essayed by different actors from the country. Here is a list of the actors and the respective characters that they play in Ramayana:1) Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha Rakul Preet in ‘Ramayana’ | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement As a cunning demoness, Surpanakha plays a prominent role in the epic when she falls in love with Rama. Lakshmana rejects her advances and even mocks her. Enraged and jealous of Sita, Surpanakha attacks her, leading to Lakshmana cutting off her nose and ears. This triggers a chain of events that eventually leads to the epic battle between Rama and Ravana. The film’s trailer shows Rakul taking on the role, exhibiting her beauty and cunning traits.2) Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjihva Vivek Oberoi in ‘Ramayana’ | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement In the trailer, Vivek Oberoi is seen in the battlefield with a big moustache, wearing a horned crown. Vivek plays Vidyutjihva, the Danava king and husband of Ravana’s sister Surpanakha. According to the epic, his secret marriage to her enraged Ravana, who goes on to kill him. To console a grieving Surpanakha after Vidyutjihva’s death, Ravana allows her to roam freely in the forest, leading to the episode with Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita.3) Kunal Kapoor as Indra Kunal Kapoor in ‘Ramayana’ | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Kunal Kapoor plays Indra, the supreme king of Devas and ruler of Heavens. The recently released English trailer of the Nitesh Tiwari directorial shows him in the battlefield, wearing white armour and robes as he rides his majestic white elephant, Airavata. Indra played a pivotal role in the Rama-Ravana battle, aiding the former with his divine weapons and chariot.4) Anupam Kher as JatayuJatayu, the iconic demigod who takes the form of a giant vulture, is voiced by veteran actor Anupam Kher. The trailer shows Jatayu fighting Ravana as he kidnaps Sita. In the story, Jatayu is portrayed as an old friend of King Dasharatha, who hears Sita’s cries and gives his life while stopping Ravana. With his last words, Jatayu tells Rama and Lakshmana the direction Ravana headed with Sita.5) Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara Sheeba Chaddha in ‘Ramayana’ | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Manthara is the cunning royal attendant who poisons Queen Kaikeyi’s mind, convincing her to demand Rama’s exile from the kingdom. Sheeba Chaddha plays the character, exhibiting her shrewdness and evil intentions in the trailer and promotional posters.6) Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi Lara Dutta in ‘Ramayana’ | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement In the original epic, Kaikeyi is Dasharatha’s third wife and Bharata’s mother. After saving the king’s life during a war against demons, he grants her two unconditional wishes. When Dasharatha prepares to crown Rama as king, Kaikeyi steps in with her wishes and asks Dasharatha to make Bharata the king and send Rama on a 14-year exile. Lara Dutta plays the iconic character. In the trailer, the actor embodies Kaikeyi’s maternal instincts and fears.7) Indira Krishnan as KausalyaSenior actor Indira Krishnan, known primarily for her work in television serials, plays Rama’s mother, Kausalya, in Ramayana. The character is portrayed in the epic as an emotional and compassionate human, whose life is marked by profound grief at being separated from her son, Rama, for 14 years due to the exile. Indira’s look from the film has not been unveiled. Interestingly, the actor also played Ranbir Kapoor’s mother-in-law in Animal.8) Kajal Aggarwal as MandodariKajal Aggarwal steps into the role of Mandodari, the queen of Lanka and Ravana’s wife. Though her role in the first part is said to be limited, she will have significant screen space in the second part. More details about her look from the film are not unveiled. Published - November 04, 2026 02:30 pm IST