Rakul Preet Singh on Ramayana: 'We represent Bharat to the world'
Synopsis
Rakul Preet Singh says playing Surpanakha in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana is 'larger than life, larger than cinema' — and the Delhi trailer launch proved the point, drawing Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Karan Johar, and Swami Ramdev under one roof. With Part 1 locked for Diwali 2026, this is shaping up as Bollywood's biggest cultural bet in years.
Key Takeaways
Rakul Preet Singh will play Surpanakha in director Nitesh Tiwari's two-part epic Ramayana .
Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Rama , Sai Pallavi plays Sita , and Yash plays Ravana .
The trailer was launched in New Delhi on 18 July 2025 at a star-studded event hosted by poet Kumar Vishwas .
Part 1 is set for Diwali 2026 and Part 2 for Diwali 2027 .
Yash said the role helped him improve his Hindi and called the project a special personal and professional journey.
Actress Rakul Preet Singh has described her association with director Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming mythological epic Ramayana as an experience that transcends cinema, calling it a privilege to represent India's history and heritage on a global scale. Her remarks came alongside the grand trailer launch of the film, held in New Delhi on 18 July 2025.
What Rakul Said
Taking to Instagram, Rakul shared glimpses from the trailer launch event and wrote: 'An honour to be a part of something that feels larger than life, larger than cinema, our history, our heritage, our Ramayana. We represent Bharat to the world, a feeling that's truly beyond words. Can't wait for you all to step into this world with us.'
The actress, known for her role in Runway 34, will portray Surpanakha — the fierce and powerful sister of demon king Ravana — in the ambitious two-part adaptation.
Star Cast and Scale
Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi essays the role of Sita, and Yash takes on the mantle of Ravana in what is shaping up to be one of Indian cinema's most ambitious mythological productions. The film is produced by Namit Malhotra.
The Delhi trailer launch was attended by a constellation of film personalities including Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Ravi Dubey, Kunal Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi, Arun Govil, Ajinkya Deo, Shobhna, sitar maestro Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, Swami Ramdev, filmmaker Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, and producer Karan Johar, among others. Poet and writer Kumar Vishwas, who has also contributed to the film, hosted the event.
Yash on Playing Ravana
Actor Yash, best known for K.G.F: Chapter 1, spoke at the Delhi launch about what the project means to him personally and professionally. He noted that portraying such a significant character not only offered a rare professional opportunity but also pushed him to improve his Hindi — even delivering a portion of his speech at the event in Hindi. He expressed gratitude to producer Namit Malhotra for bringing him on board.
Release Timeline
Ramayana is planned as a two-part theatrical release. The first instalment is scheduled to arrive during Diwali 2026, with the second part set for Diwali 2027. The staggered release strategy mirrors the approach taken by large-scale international franchises, and signals the production's confidence in sustaining audience interest across two years.
With its pan-India cast, cultural weight, and a release window that aligns with one of India's most significant festivals, Ramayana is already generating considerable anticipation well ahead of its debut.
Point of View
And the Delhi trailer launch, with its mix of film royalty and public figures like Swami Ramdev, made that positioning explicit. Casting Yash, a Kannada superstar, as Ravana and Sai Pallavi, a Tamil actress, as Sita is a deliberate pan-India play that goes beyond box-office math. The Diwali release window is shrewdly chosen, but the real pressure will be narrative: audiences who grew up with Ramanand Sagar's version will bring exacting expectations. Whether Nitesh Tiwari's cinematic interpretation can honour that emotional ownership while reaching a new generation is the question the trailer has only begun to answer.
NationPress
19 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rakul Preet Singh playing in Ramayana?
Rakul Preet Singh plays Surpanakha, the fierce sister of demon king Ravana, in Nitesh Tiwari's two-part epic Ramayana. She described the role as an honour and a larger-than-life experience.
When will Ramayana release in cinemas?
Ramayana is planned as a two-part release. Part 1 is scheduled for Diwali 2026 and Part 2 for Diwali 2027.
Who are the lead actors in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana?
Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi plays Sita, and Yash plays Ravana. Rakul Preet Singh, Vivek Oberoi, Kunal Kapoor, Arun Govil, and Ajinkya Deo are among the supporting cast.
Where was the Ramayana trailer launched?
The grand trailer launch took place in New Delhi on 18 July 2025. The event was hosted by poet and writer Kumar Vishwas and attended by the principal cast, producers Namit Malhotra and Karan Johar, and public figures including Swami Ramdev.
What did Yash say about playing Ravana in Ramayana?
Yash said the role gave him a memorable professional opportunity and also helped him improve his Hindi. He expressed gratitude to producer Namit Malhotra and called the project a special journey on both personal and professional fronts.
