The makers of Ramayana have unveiled Arun Govil’s first solo poster as King Dashrath. The veteran actor, best known for playing Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s television Ramayan, now portrays Ram’s father opposite Ranbir Kapoor.
Arun Govil is returning to the world of Ramayana, but this time he is not playing Lord Ram.
The veteran actor has been revealed as King Dashrath in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming two-part epic.
The makers unveiled his character poster on October 7, 2026.
The reveal carries an unusual piece of casting history.
Govil became synonymous with Lord Ram through Ramanand Sagar’s iconic television series. Decades later, he is appearing in the same epic universe as the father of Ranbir Kapoor’s Ram.
Who is Arun Govil playing in Ramayana?
Arun Govil plays King Dashrath, the King of Ayodhya and father of Lord Ram in the new Ramayana films.
The newly released poster presents Govil in an elaborate royal look designed to reflect Dashrath’s position and authority.
The makers shared the character reveal through their official Ramayana social-media account. Their caption highlighted Govil’s earlier portrayal of Ram before introducing his new role as the King of Ayodhya.
The casting creates a striking connection between two versions of the epic.
Govil once played the son.
Now, he plays the father.
Why Arun Govil’s King Dashrath casting is so significant
Govil’s casting carries more weight than a conventional character reveal.
His portrayal of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan remains one of the defining roles of his career. The television series gave him widespread recognition and established a lasting association with the character.
His new role reverses that relationship.
In Ramayana, Govil’s Dashrath is the father of Ranbir Kapoor’s Lord Ram.
That makes the casting particularly meaningful for viewers familiar with his earlier work.
It also allows the new film to connect its contemporary star cast with a performer who already has a deep association with the epic.
Arun Govil’s two Ramayana roles
| Earlier portrayal | New portrayal |
|---|---|
| Lord Ram | King Dashrath |
| Ramanand Sagar’s television Ramayan | Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana |
| Played Ram | Plays Ram’s father |
| Iconic television role | New big-screen character |
What does Arun Govil look like as King Dashrath?
The new poster shows Govil in a regal avatar as the ruler of Ayodhya.
The styling features royal detailing intended to convey Dashrath’s stature and authority.
The character reveal is therefore more than a simple cast announcement.
It gives audiences their first official look at Govil’s transformation from the familiar image of Ram to the father and king at the centre of Ayodhya’s royal family.
Who else stars in Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana?
Ramayana features a large ensemble built around Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama.
The principal cast includes Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana.
The film is directed by Nitesh Tiwari.
It is being produced by Prime Focus Studios in association with Monster Mind Creations and DNEG. Prime Focus Studios has also confirmed Sony Pictures as the international distributor, while Dharma Productions is handling distribution across North India’s Hindi-speaking markets.
When will Ramayana Part 1 release?
Ramayana: Part One is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 6, 2026.
The film is being made for IMAX and is planned as the first part of a two-film saga. The second chapter is scheduled for 2027.
The project is being positioned for audiences in India and international markets.
Prime Focus Studios has described the film as a global cinematic interpretation of the epic.
Ramayana release details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Film | Ramayana: Part One |
| Director | Nitesh Tiwari |
| Lord Rama | Ranbir Kapoor |
| Sita | Sai Pallavi |
| Ravana | Yash |
| Hanuman | Sunny Deol |
| Lakshmana | Ravi Dubey |
| King Dashrath | Arun Govil |
| Release | November 6, 2026 |
| Format | IMAX and theatrical |
| Parts | Two |
| Part Two | 2027 |
Why Arun Govil’s return could matter to Ramayana audiences
The most interesting aspect of this casting is the bridge between generations.
Older viewers remember Govil as Ram from television.
Younger audiences are being introduced to a new cinematic version led by Ranbir Kapoor.
Putting Govil in the role of Dashrath creates a direct connection between those two audiences.
It also gives the new Ramayana a performer whose association with the epic is already deeply established.
That makes the King Dashrath reveal one of the project’s more symbolic casting announcements.
FAQ Section
Who is Arun Govil playing in Ramayana?
Arun Govil is playing King Dashrath, the King of Ayodhya and father of Lord Ram, in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana.
Is Arun Govil playing Lord Ram in the new Ramayana?
No. Arun Govil is playing King Dashrath, while Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Ram.
Who plays Lord Ram in Ramayana?
Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. Sai Pallavi plays Sita, Yash plays Ravana and Sunny Deol plays Hanuman.
When will Ramayana Part 1 release?
Ramayana: Part One is scheduled to release worldwide on November 6, 2026.
Why is Arun Govil’s casting as King Dashrath significant?
Govil is widely associated with his earlier portrayal of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s television Ramayan, making his new role as Ram’s father a notable full-circle casting choice.
