Annu Kapoor Raises Eyebrows Over Sai Pallavi’s Casting as Sita in Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’

When veteran actor Annu Kapoor logged onto a Zoom call earlier this month, he didn’t come with a fan’s enthusiasm for Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming "Ramayana". Instead, he sounded a little perplexed – even skeptical – about the very existence of the film.

"Has this already been released in theatres?" he asked, a half‑smile audible in his voice. The question wasn’t just about logistics; it set the tone for the rest of his remarks, which quickly turned to the film’s most controversial casting choice.

Sa​i Pallavi, celebrated for her naturalistic performances, has been announced as Goddess Sita. Kapoor, who has lived through several renditions of the epic, found the decision hard to swallow. "You need to understand who you’ve chosen for the role of Sita," he said. "Sita is worshipped as a mother figure, and Lord Ram is revered as an incarnation of Lord Narayan. The casting is quite questionable. Let the film release and then we’ll see."

He didn’t stop at the casting, however. Kapoor wondered aloud whether the new version would bring anything fresh to the table, or simply serve as a glossy, technologically enhanced remake of Ramanand Sagar’s beloved television series from the 1980s.

"Whatever they make, it will probably just upgrade Sagar’s Ramayana with bigger sets and fancier visual effects," Kapoor mused. "Will it offer a new perspective, or will it be another spectacle?"

Despite his reservations, the project boasts a star‑studded roster: Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Yash as the ten‑headed Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and a host of familiar faces such as Lara Dutta (Kaikeyi), Rakul Preet Singh (Surpanakha), Kajal Aggarwal (Mandodari) and Arun Govil (King Dashrath). Even veteran actor Arun Govil, who famously played Ram in the original TV serial, joins the ensemble.

The film is also set to make a splash on the international stage, with a special presentation at San Diego Comic‑Con on July 23. It will be only the second Indian movie, after "Kalki 2898 AD," to be featured at the event, and producers hope the exposure will underline the project's ambition.

Backed by a reported budget of around ₹4,000 crore, "Ramayana" is among the most expensive Indian productions ever. Music duties are shared by Oscar‑winner Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman, promising a score that blends Western orchestration with traditional Indian motifs. The first part is slated for a Diwali 2026 release, with a sequel expected in 2027.

Whether Kapoor’s doubts prove prophetic remains to be seen. For now, the conversation around "Ramayana" is as lively as ever, echoing the timeless debates that have surrounded the epic itself for millennia.