Highlights:
The world of Ramayana is getting another glimpse of the characters who shape one of Hindu mythology’s most defining stories. The makers of Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated adaptation have unveiled new character posters featuring Lara Dutta as Queen Kaikeyi and Sheeba Chadha as Manthara, highlighting the pivotal roles the two women play in determining Lord Rama’s destiny.
The newly released posters introduce two characters whose decisions and influence set in motion the chain of events that leads to Rama’s exile from Ayodhya. While Kaikeyi is a queen and mother whose demands alter the royal succession, Manthara is the confidante whose counsel influences her decisions.
The character reveals have added another layer of anticipation to the ambitious cinematic retelling, which is planned as a two-part epic.
Lara Dutta as Queen Kaikeyi
Lara Dutta appears in a regal avatar as Kaikeyi, dressed in traditional attire and elaborate jewellery. The poster’s accompanying caption reads, “A queen. A mother. Two wishes that would betray a father's love and change Rama's destiny forever.”
In the epic, Kaikeyi is one of King Dashrath’s wives and the mother of Bharata. She invokes two promises previously granted to her by the king, asking him to place Bharata on the throne and send Rama into exile for 14 years.
The demands leave Dashrath devastated and transform the future of Ayodhya. Rama accepts the exile, setting the stage for the events that eventually lead to the battle against Ravana.
Kaikeyi’s character is often remembered for her role in Rama’s exile, but her place in the story also raises questions about maternal loyalty, royal duty, promises and the consequences of personal decisions.
Sheeba Chadha as Manthara
Sheeba Chadha’s poster presents her as Manthara, Kaikeyi’s attendant and confidante, holding a staff. The makers described the character with the caption, “A cunning mind. Whose whispers would turn a mother's love into a kingdom's darkest hour.”
In the traditional narrative, Manthara persuades Kaikeyi that Rama’s coronation would threaten Bharata’s future. Her influence prompts the queen to invoke Dashrath’s promises, setting the central conflict in motion.
Although Manthara is not a ruler, her influence over Kaikeyi demonstrates how advice, persuasion and personal anxieties can shape events far beyond an individual’s immediate position. Her role makes her one of the key figures behind the turning point in Rama’s journey.
A growing ensemble for Nitesh Tiwari’s epic
The latest posters follow the unveiling of Arun Govil as King Dashrath. Govil is widely remembered for playing Lord Rama in the classic television series Ramayan and will now portray the king of Ayodhya.
The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman.
Produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, the project is being developed as a two-part cinematic epic.
Part 1 is scheduled for a worldwide release during Diwali 2026, followed by Part 2 during Diwali 2027. The films are planned for release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, with an IMAX release also planned.
Sony Pictures will distribute the films internationally, excluding India, while Dharma Productions will handle distribution in the Hindi-speaking market.
With the latest character reveals, the film’s makers are bringing more of the Ramayana’s pivotal figures into focus. Kaikeyi and Manthara may not occupy the same place in the popular imagination as Rama, Sita or Ravana, but their decisions help launch the epic’s central journey, making their portrayals an important part of this ambitious adaptation.
