The trailer to Namit Malhotra’s much-awaited Ramayana finally dropped at the Brahma Muhurta on July 30, giving audiences their first comprehensive look
at one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious mythological adaptations. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the two-part epic boasts a star-studded ensemble led by Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash. The trailer also introduces a host of iconic characters from Ramayana, each being portrayed by a notable actor. Here’s an easy guide to every major character reveal in the trailer and the actor portraying them. The trailer of Ramayana commences with the introduction of Raavan – with Yash portraying the antagonist from the Hindu epic. The mighty king of Lanka, his imposing screen presence, commanding voice and elaborate armour have already become one of the trailer's biggest talking points. However, leading the story of course is Ranbir Kapoor as Maryada Purushottam Ram – the righteous prince of Ayodhya and the embodiment of Dharma. The trailer highlights him as a calm yet formidable warrior whose journey from prince to exile forms the emotional core of the film. In the trailer Ranbir is also seen portraying Parashuram, the legendary warrior sage and an avatar of Vishnu, as he hands over his celestial Vaishnava bow – Sharanga. The trailer also introduces Sai Pallavi as Sita, the princess of Mithila whose unwavering devotion and resilience make her one of the epic's most revered figures. The trailer highlights her grace and strength while teasing the challenges that lie ahead during her exile. Standing beside Ram is Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, the loyal younger brother who accompanies Ram and Sita into the forest. The trailer hints at Lakshman's fierce warrior spirit and unwavering dedication to his brother. He is also shown slicing off the nose of Surpanakha, setting the ball rolling for the epic Ram vs Ravana battle. The royal family of Ayodhya features several accomplished actors. Arun Govil – the OG Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s acclaimed television adaptation - returns as King Dashrath, father of Ram, Bharat, Lakshman and Shatrughna. Lara Dutta portrays Queen Kaikeyi, whose fateful demands alter the course of the epic. Indira Krishnan appears as Queen Kausalya, Ram's mother, while Sonal Jha plays Queen Sumitra, mother of Lakshman and Shatrughna. On the Lankan side, we catch a glimpse of veteran actress Shobana as Kaikasi, Ravana's mother, while Chetan Hansraj is there in a glimpse-and-miss role as Sumali, Ravana's grandfather and the patriarch of the Rakshasa lineage. The younger generation of Ayodhya is also represented. Sonia Balani plays Urmila, Lakshman's wife, whose sacrifice during the exile remains one of the epic's understated emotional threads. Surabhi Das portrays Shrutakirti, the youngest princess of Mithila and wife of Shatrughna, while Adinath Kothare appears as Bharat, whose refusal to usurp Ram's throne is one of the defining moments of the Ramayana. The trailer highlights the moment he takes Ram’s slippers to rule Ayodhya.
Among Ravana's allies and family members is Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, whose encounter with Ram and Lakshman becomes a turning point leading to Sita's abduction. Vivek Oberoi briefly appears as Vidyutjihva, Surpanakha's husband, while Panchayat actor Faisal Malik takes on the role of Kumbhkaran, Ravana's gigantic brother renowned for his immense strength. Saurabh Sachdeva too appears as the demon Mareech, whose golden deer illusion sets the central conflict in motion.
The trailer also introduces Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara, Kaikeyi's scheming maidservant whose manipulation results in Ram's exile. Her character remains one of the most consequential catalysts in the narrative. Another major addition is Anupam Kher as Jatayu, the noble vulture king who sacrifices himself while attempting to rescue Sita from Ravana, though his appearance in the trailer is brief.
Together, these characters promise to recreate the grandeur, emotional depth and moral complexity of one of India's greatest epics. With an ensemble spanning multiple generations of Indian cinema, Ramayana first part arrives in theatres during Diwali 2026.
