The makers of Ramayana have unveiled two new character posters, introducing Lara Dutta as Queen Kaikeyi and Sheeba Chadha as Manthara. The latest reveal offers a glimpse into two important characters whose decisions will play a crucial role in shaping Lord Rama’s destiny.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, the upcoming two-part mythological epic has been generating considerable excitement among audiences. With Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana, the film brings together an impressive cast to retell one of India’s most celebrated epics.
The new posters highlight the characters behind one of the Ramayana’s most significant turning points, setting the stage for the events that lead to Rama’s exile from Ayodhya.
Lara Dutta’s First Look as Queen Kaikeyi
Lara Dutta’s first look as Queen Kaikeyi presents the actress in a regal avatar, complete with elaborate traditional attire and ornate jewellery befitting the Queen of Ayodhya.
Kaikeyi is one of the most significant characters in the Ramayana. Although she loves Rama, her decisions eventually change the course of events for King Dasharath and the entire kingdom.
According to the traditional story, Kaikeyi invokes two boons promised to her by Dasharath. She asks for her son Bharata to be crowned king and for Rama to be sent into exile for 14 years.
These demands become a defining moment in the epic, leading to Dasharath’s heartbreak and Rama’s departure from Ayodhya.
Lara’s first look offers audiences an early glimpse of how the film will portray the queen and her place in this pivotal chapter of the story.
Sheeba Chadha as Manthara: The Character Who Changes Everything
Alongside Lara Dutta’s Kaikeyi poster, the makers have also introduced Sheeba Chadha as Manthara, Kaikeyi’s confidante whose counsel influences the queen’s decisions.
Sheeba’s character poster presents her holding a staff, with a distinctive appearance that sets her apart from the royal world surrounding Kaikeyi.
In the Ramayana, Manthara plays a crucial role in persuading Kaikeyi to ask for the two boons from King Dasharath. Her words sow doubt in the queen’s mind and ultimately set the events leading to Rama’s exile into motion.
Although Manthara is not the central protagonist of the epic, her influence makes her one of its most consequential supporting characters.
Sheeba Chadha’s casting adds another familiar performer to the film’s ensemble, and audiences will be watching closely to see how she brings this complex character to life.
Ramayana Makers Share the New Character Posters
The makers revealed the two first looks on social media, highlighting the contrasting roles of the queen and her confidante.
The official caption read:
“A queen. A mother. Two wishes that would betray a father’s love and change Rama’s destiny forever.
A cunning mind. Whose whispers would turn a mother’s love into a kingdom’s darkest hour.
Lara Dutta as Queen Kaikeyi.
Sheeba Chadha as Manthara.”
The caption points directly towards the dramatic consequences of Kaikeyi’s wishes and Manthara’s influence, giving fans an indication of the emotional conflict that will shape this part of the story.
The latest reveal follows the earlier unveiling of Arun Govil as King Dashrath, further expanding the film’s cast of characters from Ayodhya.
Arun Govil Returns to the World of Ramayana as King Dashrath
One of the most talked-about casting choices in the new Ramayana is Arun Govil as King Dashrath.
Govil became widely associated with Lord Rama after portraying the deity in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic television series Ramayan. His casting as Dashrath brings another familiar face from the television adaptation into the new cinematic interpretation of the epic.
King Dashrath’s relationship with his sons and his promise to Kaikeyi are central to the events that lead to Rama’s exile.
With Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi and Arun Govil as Dashrath, the film is bringing together actors whose characters occupy an important place in this emotional chapter of the Ramayana.
Ramayana Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash and More
The upcoming Ramayana features a large ensemble cast, bringing together actors from Bollywood and beyond.
Here are some of the key cast members announced for the film:
- Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama
- Sai Pallavi as Sita
- Yash as Ravana
- Sunny Deol as Hanuman
- Ravie Dubey as Lakshman
- Lara Dutta as Queen Kaikeyi
- Sheeba Chadha as Manthara
- Arun Govil as King Dashrath
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film is being produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations.
The production is planned as a two-part cinematic adaptation, with the makers aiming to bring the scale, emotion and mythology of the epic to the big screen.
Ramayana Release Date: When Will the Film Arrive in Theatres?
Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release during Diwali 2026, while Ramayana: Part 2 is planned for Diwali 2027.
The film is expected to release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, expanding its reach to audiences across India.
The ambitious project has attracted attention for its large cast, extensive visual effects and international creative collaboration. The music is being composed by A. R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer, bringing together two acclaimed composers for the epic.
With the latest character posters now released, anticipation continues to build as audiences get a closer look at the people who will shape the story of Rama, Sita and the kingdom of Ayodhya.
Why Kaikeyi and Manthara Are Important to the Ramayana Story
The unveiling of Kaikeyi and Manthara is significant because their characters are closely connected to the central conflict of the epic.
Kaikeyi’s demand for Rama’s exile changes the lives of Rama, Sita and Lakshman, ultimately setting the stage for the events that follow.
Manthara, meanwhile, acts as the catalyst by influencing Kaikeyi’s thinking and encouraging her to claim the boons promised by Dasharath.
Their relationship creates a powerful dramatic turning point involving family, duty, promises and the responsibilities of kingship.
By revealing these characters ahead of the film’s release, the makers are giving audiences a glimpse of the emotional and political conflicts that will form part of the cinematic retelling.
Jay-Ho Exclusive
The latest Ramayana character reveals offer more than just a first look at two familiar figures from the epic.
Lara Dutta’s Queen Kaikeyi and Sheeba Chadha’s Manthara stand at the centre of one of the story’s most consequential moments — the chain of decisions that sends Lord Rama into exile and changes the future of Ayodhya.
With Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol and Ravie Dubey leading the cast, the film continues to build anticipation ahead of its planned Diwali 2026 release.
The new posters also suggest that the makers are paying attention to the supporting characters whose actions are just as important as those of the central heroes.
As more first looks emerge, audiences will be eager to discover how Nitesh Tiwari brings this timeless epic to the big screen.
FAQ
Who plays Queen Kaikeyi in the new Ramayana movie?
Lara Dutta plays Queen Kaikeyi in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming cinematic adaptation of the Ramayana.
Who plays Manthara in Ramayana?
Sheeba Chadha portrays Manthara, Kaikeyi’s confidante whose influence plays a crucial role in the events leading to Lord Rama’s exile.
What is the role of Kaikeyi in the Ramayana?
Kaikeyi asks King Dashrath to fulfil two promises: that her son Bharata be crowned king and that Rama be exiled for 14 years. Her demands become a major turning point in the epic.
Who plays King Dashrath in Ramayana?
Arun Govil plays King Dashrath in the upcoming film. Govil is widely remembered for his earlier portrayal of Lord Rama in the television series Ramayan.
Who stars in the new Ramayana movie?
The announced cast includes Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Sheeba Chadha as Manthara and Arun Govil as Dashrath.
When will Ramayana Part 1 release?
Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release during Diwali 2026. The exact release arrangements should be checked against the makers’ latest official announcements.
