The eagerly awaited cinematic venture of director Nitesh Tiwari, ‘Ramayana,’ with Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role, is on the cusp of beginning its production journey. An online viral video provides an intriguing glimpse into the meticulous construction of the film’s Ayodhya set, replete with detailed pillars and authentically reflective architecture from the epic tale, located in Mumbai’s bustling Film City, Goregaon. The grand set, designed to replicate the era of Lord Rama’s education at the Gurukul, reportedly comes with an imposing price tag of Rs 11 crore. Enthusiasts can catch a fleeting view of the set and stay updated with the developments by checking the widely circulated video clip on social media.
In the wake of the underwhelming reception of Om Raut’s ‘Adipurush’ in 2023, which faced significant criticism and audience disapproval, Nitesh Tiwari remains steadfast and undistracted in his undertaking. The highly anticipated three-part franchise is believed to feature a dynamic cast, including Sai Pallavi in the role of Sita, Yash as the formidable demon-king Raavan, Bollywood veteran Sunny Deol taking on the mighty avatar of Hanuman, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, and Rakul Preet Singh portraying Shurpanakha.
The formal announcement of Tiwari’s ambitious ‘Ramayana’ trilogy is slated for around mid-April, timed auspiciously with Ram Navami on the 17th. An industry insider remarked on the significance of aligning the announcement with such an appropriate day, emphasizing the meticulous and sustained preparations by the team for the project over several years. With a staggering budget that could exceed Rs 600 crore, Tiwari is set to dedicate the upcoming two years almost exclusively to this epic project.
“I am consumed by the idea of doing a large-screen version of this epic. The ‘Ramayana’ is a part of almost every Hindu household. I grew up with it as an essential part of my life, and for me making it into a film is an honour I only dreamt of. My prayers have been answered,” Nitesh Tiwari shared with IANS, conveying a profound personal connection and commitment to the adaptation of this age-old saga.
In preparation for the film’s demanding requirements, the cast has engaged in multiple look tests and been part of extensive pre-visualisation and technical rehearsals to perfect every element before the commencement of filming. Ranbir Kapoor, though not involved in the initial schedule, is engrossed in archery training to embody his role convincingly.
Previously, there were speculations about Bobby Deol’s involvement in the film, following his shared screen presence with Ranbir in ‘Animal.’ However, such rumors were quickly dispelled by his spokesperson. Similarly, Sakshi Tanwar was rumored to portray Mandodari, Raavan’s wife, but it has since been clarified that she was not approached for the role.
With much anticipation and India’s rich cultural narrative at its core, Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’ is poised to be a milestone in Indian cinema, drawing attention from audiences worldwide eager to witness the ancient epic unfold on the big screen once again.
(With inputs from Agencies)
