The trailer of Nitesh Tiwari‘s ambitious mythological epic Ramayana has set social media abuzz since its unveiling on July 30, with fans dissecting every frame of the four-minute spectacle. While the spotlight has largely remained on Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana, several supporting actors have also caught viewers’ attention despite their brief appearances.From Faisal Malik to Addinath Kothare, the trailer offers quick glimpses of several actors portraying pivotal characters from the epic. While some roles have already been revealed by the makers, others continue to spark curiosity. Here’s a look at the actors behind the blink-and-miss appearances in the trailer.
Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjihva
Vivek Oberoi plays Vidyutjihva, the demon prince and husband of Shurpanakha.
Covered in elaborate armour, a thick beard and intricate headgear, Vivek Oberoi is almost unrecognisable in the trailer. He plays Vidyutjihva, the demon prince and husband of Shurpanakha. His brief appearance has fuelled speculation that the makers are delving into lesser-explored chapters of the Ramayana rather than limiting the narrative to its most familiar episodes. Though often overlooked in earlier screen adaptations, Vidyutjihva’s story is closely intertwined with Ravana’s family, and his fate plays a significant role in shaping the events that unfold in the epic.
Faisal Malik transforms into Kumbhakarna
Faisal Malik takes on the role of Ravana’s giant brother Kumbhakarna.
Known for his performance in Panchayat, Faisal Malik takes on the role of Ravana’s giant brother Kumbhakarna. Although his appearance in the trailer is brief, the extensive prosthetics and visual effects make him almost unrecognisable as the fearsome rakshasa.
Saurabh Sachdeva plays Maricha
Saurabh Sachdeva portrays Maricha, one of the most pivotal antagonists in the Ramayana.
Saurabh Sachdeva portrays Maricha, one of the most pivotal antagonists in the Ramayana. Defeated by Rama during his youth, Maricha later assists Ravana by transforming into the magical golden deer, luring Rama and Lakshmana away from Sita, ultimately paving the way for her abduction.
Shobana as Kaikasi
Shobana essays the role of Kaikasi, Ravana’s mother, also known as Nikasha.
Veteran actress and classical dancer Shobana essays the role of Kaikasi, Ravana’s mother, also known as Nikasha. In the Ramayana, Kaikasi is the daughter of the powerful rakshasa Sumali and his wife Ketumati, who had taken refuge in the underworld after losing Lanka. Determined to reclaim the kingdom, Sumali urged his beautiful daughter to marry the sage Vishrava, believing that their children would inherit his immense power and noble lineage tracing back to Brahma. Obeying her father’s wishes, Kaikasi married Vishrava and became the mother of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Shurpanakha and Vibhishana, setting the stage for one of the epic’s most significant dynasties.
Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara
Sheeba Chaddha essays the role of Manthara, Kaikeyi’s loyal maidservant.
Veteran actor Sheeba Chaddha essays the role of Manthara, Kaikeyi’s loyal maidservant whose manipulation changes the course of the Ramayana. In the epic, Manthara persuades Kaikeyi to demand two boons from King Dasharatha—sending Rama into exile and crowning her son Bharat as king. In the trailer, Sheeba appears briefly alongside Lara Dutta, who plays Queen Kaikeyi.
Addinath M. Kothare as Bharat
Addinath M. Kothare plays Bharat, Lord Rama’s devoted younger brother.
Marathi actor-filmmaker Addinath M. Kothare plays Bharat, Lord Rama’s devoted younger brother. Though his face is barely visible in the trailer, he is seen touching Rama’s feet and later placing Rama’s padukas (wooden sandals) on the throne, symbolising his refusal to rule Ayodhya in his brother’s absence.
Trailer introduces key characters
The trailer opens with a mysterious introduction to Ravana, whose face remains concealed beneath a shawl before his grand reveal. As he proclaims his dominion over the three worlds, the narrative shifts to the birth of Rama, destined to end his reign.Beyond the lead trio, the trailer introduces Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha and Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjihva, the demon prince and Shurpanakha’s husband. Interestingly, Sunny Deol, who plays Lord Hanuman, is absent from the trailer, making him the only major cast member yet to be unveiled.Veteran actor Arun Govil, forever associated with the role of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic television series, appears in the film as King Dasharatha, Rama’s father.
A Rs 4,000 crore cinematic spectacle
Mounted on an unprecedented scale, ‘Ramayana’ is among the most expensive films ever produced in India. Producer Namit Malhotra had earlier revealed that the combined budget for both instalments stands at approximately $500 million (over Rs 4,000 crore).“When we set out to make this six or seven years ago, people thought I was a lunatic because no Indian film comes close to this scale. Put simply, the budget will be around $500 million for both parts combined,” Malhotra had said. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol, Ravi Dubey and an ensemble cast. The first part is slated for a worldwide release in October 2026, ahead of Diwali, while the second instalment is scheduled to hit theatres during Diwali 2027.
