Dipika Chikhlia's Surprising Turnaround on Ramayana Teaser
The release of the teaser for the upcoming film Ramayana has ignited widespread discussions, particularly among devotees of the timeless epic. Now, Dipika Chikhlia, who became an icon for her portrayal of Sita in the legendary television series Ramayan, has shared her initial reaction—and it represents a significant departure from her previous critical stance.
Praise for the Grand Visuals and Production
Reacting to the teaser that features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Dipika told India Today, "I watched the teaser and it's very grand. Bahut rich lag raha hai. Unhone bahut achhe se banaya hai. (It looks very rich. They made it very well)." She further elaborated, "So now I'm awaiting the film and it's looking very beautiful, there's no doubt about it." This enthusiastic endorsement highlights the impressive scale and aesthetic appeal of the cinematic adaptation.
A Notable Shift from Earlier Criticism
Dipika's current appreciation contrasts sharply with her earlier reservations about repeated retellings of the Ramayana. In June 2024, she expressed disillusionment, stating, "Honestly, I am quite disillusioned by people who keep making Ramayan because I don't think you should be doing it." She had also remarked, "People are making a mess of it. I don't think people should be making Ramayan again and again because every time they make it, they want to bring in something new; a new story, a new angle, a new look." During that same interaction, she criticized Adipurush, another adaptation. Dipika rose to fame in the late 1980s when Ramayan aired on Doordarshan, with her graceful and simple depiction of Sita still cherished by audiences. The original series starred Arun Govil as Rama, Arvind Trivedi as Ravana, and Sunil Lahri and Dara Singh as Lakshman and Hanuman, respectively.
Glimpse into an Ambitious Cinematic Retelling
The teaser offers a brief look into this highly anticipated retelling, introducing Ranbir Kapoor as Maryada Purushottam Rama, with fleeting shots of Sai Pallavi as Sita and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. It also teases the world of Yash as Ravana. Mounted on a grand scale, the visuals suggest an ambitious adaptation focused on the journey and adventures of Lord Rama.
Production Details and Release Schedule
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana is planned as a two-part cinematic spectacle. The cast includes Sunny Deol as Hanuman, with music composed by renowned artists Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman. The first part is scheduled for release during Diwali 2026, followed by the second part expected in Diwali 2027.
