Rakul Preet Singh has described Surpanakha as a “very misunderstood and layered character” while discussing her role in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming mythological epic Ramayana. The actor said exploring the different shades of Ravana’s sister was one of the reasons she was excited to join the ambitious film.
In an interaction with news agency PTI, Rakul also spoke about the opportunity to represent Indian history and storytelling to a global audience. Her comments offer a glimpse into how she approached a character whose role in the epic is closely connected to the events leading to the conflict between Rama and Ravana.
Rakul Preet Singh Explains Why She Chose to Play Surpanakha
Speaking about what attracted her to Ramayana, Rakul identified two major reasons. The first was the opportunity to be part of a film intended to present Indian storytelling to audiences around the world. The second was the complexity of Surpanakha.
“I think what was so exciting were a couple of things. First, it’s India’s representation to the world. Our history, our truth represented to the world’s first ever-global film. Secondly, Surpanakha is a very misunderstood and layered character. She was the reason why the war took place in the first place. So it has been really interesting to play someone with multiple shades,” Rakul said in her interaction with PTI.
The actor’s comments suggest that she approached the role as more than a brief appearance in the larger story of the Ramayana. Surpanakha’s actions are closely connected to the chain of events that eventually leads to the battle between Rama and Ravana, giving the character an important place in the epic’s narrative.
Why Surpanakha Is Important to the Ramayana Story
In the Ramayana, Surpanakha is Ravana’s sister. During Rama and Lakshmana’s exile in the forest, she encounters the two brothers and expresses her interest in Rama. The encounter takes a dramatic turn, and Lakshmana cuts off her nose and ears in response to the confrontation.
Surpanakha subsequently approaches Ravana. Her account of the encounter and her description of Sita contribute to the events that lead Ravana to abduct Sita. Rama’s efforts to rescue her eventually culminate in the war against Ravana.
The character’s place in this sequence has often been discussed through the consequences of that encounter. Rakul’s description of Surpanakha as misunderstood and layered points towards her interest in exploring the character beyond that single episode. However, the precise extent of the film’s interpretation will become clearer when audiences see the portrayal on screen.
Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash Lead Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Rakul Preet Singh plays Surpanakha, while the ensemble also includes Ravie Dubey as Lakshmana and Sunny Deol as Hanuman.
The film is based on the ancient Indian epic traditionally attributed to Valmiki. It is being developed as a two-part cinematic adaptation, with the first instalment scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026. The second part is expected around Diwali 2027.
The project is backed by Namit Malhotra and Yash. Its music brings together A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer, while DNEG is involved in the visual effects.
The reported production budget of approximately ₹4,000 crore refers to the ambitious two-part project, rather than a confirmed budget for the first film alone. The figure has been reported by entertainment publications but should not be presented as an officially disclosed production cost.
With Rakul highlighting Surpanakha’s complexity, her portrayal adds another point of interest to the film’s ensemble. Whether the adaptation offers audiences a different perspective on the character will be one of the aspects to watch when Ramayana arrives in cinemas on November 5.
Stay tuned to Jay-Ho! for more updates on Ramayana and upcoming Indian films.
FAQs
1. Who plays Surpanakha in Ramayana?
Rakul Preet Singh plays Surpanakha, the sister of Ravana, in Nitesh Tiwari’s film.
2. What did Rakul Preet Singh say about Surpanakha?
She described Surpanakha as a “very misunderstood and layered character” and said exploring her multiple shades made the role interesting.
3. Who plays Ravana in Ramayana?
Yash plays Ravana in the film.
4. When will Ramayana Part 1 release?
The first instalment is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026.
5. When is Ramayana Part 2 expected to release?
The second instalment is expected around Diwali 2027.
