The makers of Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana have unveiled new character posters featuring Lara Dutta as Queen Kaikeyi and Sheeba Chadha as Manthara. The latest reveal brings two of the epic’s most consequential
characters into focus, with both of them directly linked to the events that alter Lord Rama’s future.
The posters arrive after the first look of Arun Govil as King Dashrath was revealed. With Kaikeyi and Manthara now introduced, the makers are steadily expanding the ensemble of Nitesh Tiwari’s two-part adaptation.
Lara Dutta Transforms Into Queen Kaikeyi
Lara Dutta is seen in an elaborate royal look as Queen Kaikeyi, dressed in traditional attire and heavy jewellery. The poster emphasises her position within the royal household of Ayodhya, while the accompanying caption points directly to the two wishes that become central to the story.
The makers wrote, “A queen. A mother. Two wishes that would betray a father’s love and change Rama’s destiny forever.”
Kaikeyi’s character is crucial to the events surrounding King Dashrath and Lord Rama, with her decisions eventually determining the course of Rama’s life.
The new poster marks the first official look at Lara in the role.
Sheeba Chadha Appears As Manthara
Sheeba Chadha’s Manthara has also been introduced in a separate character poster. She is seen holding a staff, with the styling clearly differentiating her from the royal characters revealed so far.
The makers described her with the line, “A cunning mind. Whose whispers would turn a mother’s love into a kingdom’s darkest hour.”
Manthara’s influence over Kaikeyi is one of the key triggers behind the events that follow, and the caption makes it clear that the film will place considerable emphasis on that relationship.
The complete announcement read, “Lara Dutta as Queen Kaikeyi. Sheeba Chadha as Manthara.”
Arun Govil Returns To Ramayana As King Dashrath
The new posters follow the unveiling of Arun Govil as King Dashrath. Govil, who remains widely associated with Lord Ram because of his portrayal of the character on television, will now be seen as the King of Ayodhya in the film.
His casting adds another familiar face to an already large ensemble.
Ranbir Kapoor stars as Lord Rama, while Sai Pallavi plays Sita. Yash will be seen as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman.
Ramayana To Release In Two Parts
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana has been mounted as a two-part film.
The project is produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations.
Part 1 is scheduled to release worldwide during Diwali 2026, while Part 2 will follow during Diwali 2027.
The films will release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, along with an IMAX release.
Sony Pictures will distribute Ramayana internationally, excluding India, while Dharma Productions will handle distribution in the Hindi-speaking market.
