Nitesh Tiwari, the director of blockbuster films like Dangal and Chhichhore, is all set to bring the ancient Indian epic Ramayana to the big screen. The ambitious project, which will be made in three parts, promises to be a visual spectacle that will appeal to both young and old audiences. The film has already generated a lot of buzz among the fans, who are curious to know who will portray the iconic characters of the epic saga.
Here is a list of eight actors who have been reportedly finalized for the film. The Cast of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana:
Vijay Sethupathi as Vibhishan
The versatile and talented Vijay Sethupathi, who recently shared screen space with Katrina Kaif in Merry Christmas, has been approached to play the role of Vibhishan, the righteous brother of Ravan. According to sources, Nitesh Tiwari met Vijay and narrated the script and the vision he has for the film. Vijay was impressed by the narration and the visuals and showed interest in the film.
Bobby Deol as Kumbhakarna
Bobby Deol, who is enjoying a career resurgence after his stellar performance in Animal, has been offered the role of Kumbhakarna, the sleeping giant and loyal brother of Ravan. The makers of the film are keen to have Bobby on board, but the actor has not confirmed his participation yet.
Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi
Lara Dutta, the former Miss Universe and Bollywood actress, has been approached to play the role of Kaikeyi, the third wife of King Dasharatha and the mother of Bharat. Kaikeyi is a crucial character in the story, as her demand for Bharat’s coronation and Ram’s exile triggers the main conflict of Ramayana. Lara Dutta is said to be excited about the project, but has not signed the dotted line yet.
Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram
Ranbir Kapoor, the heart throb of Bollywood and one of the finest actors of his generation, has been roped in to play the role of Lord Ram, the protagonist and the ideal man of Ramayana. Ranbir Kapoor stepped in after Hrithik Roshan opted out of the project for unknown reasons. Ranbir Kapoor is reportedly preparing for the role by giving up alcohol and meat, to align himself with Lord Ram’s purity and spirituality.
Naveen Polishetty as Laxman
Naveen Polishetty, who made his Hindi debut in Nitesh Tiwari’s Chhichhore and has also worked in several Telugu films, has been cast as Laxman, the devoted brother and companion of Lord Ram. Naveen Polishetty was not the first choice for the role, as the makers had initially approached Agastya Nanda, the grandson of Amitabh Bachchan and the debutant of Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies. However, Agastya Nanda declined the offer, as he did not want to play a supporting role to Ranbir Kapoor. Agastya Nanda has already signed another film, Ekkis, with Sriram Raghavan.
Sunny Deol as Hanuman
Sunny Deol, the action star and the veteran of Bollywood, has been signed to play the role of Hanuman, the loyal devotee and the powerful ally of Lord Ram. Sunny Deol, who is riding high on the success of Gada 2, has expressed his interest and excitement in playing the role of Hanuman, who is known for his strength, courage and devotion.
Yash as Ravan
Yash, the superstar of Kannada cinema and the lead actor of the KGF franchise, has been finalized to play the role of Ravan, the antagonist and the king of Lanka. Yash, who has a huge fan following across the country, has already undergone several look tests and has been confirmed for the role.
Sai Pallavi as Sita
Sai Pallavi, the beautiful and talented actress who has worked in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu films, has been chosen to play the role of Sita, the wife of Lord Ram and the epitome of virtue and grace. Sai Pallavi, who is known for her roles in films like Premam and Athiran, was Nitesh Tiwari’s first choice for the role. Earlier, there were rumours that Alia Bhatt was in talks for the role, but they turned out to be false.
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