Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana continues to dominate online conversations following the release of its much-awaited trailer. While much of the discussion has centered on Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Yash as Ravana, and the musical collaboration between Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman, another aspect of the film has unexpectedly become a talking point.
Actor Lara Dutta’s appearance as Queen Kaikeyi has divided audiences, with many viewers debating whether her costume and styling match the mythological setting portrayed in the film.
Social Media Questions Kaikeyi’s Styling
One sequence from the trailer, depicting Kaikeyi during the events leading to Lord Rama’s exile, drew particular attention from viewers.
Several users on X (formerly Twitter) felt Lara Dutta’s saree styling, hairstyle, and overall appearance carried a contemporary aesthetic that they believed contrasted with the film’s depiction of the Treta Yuga.
Some posts described the styling as modern, while others shared memes comparing the look to present-day fashion.
These reactions quickly became one of the most widely discussed topics following the trailer’s release.
Others Praise Lara Dutta’s Screen Presence
Despite the criticism surrounding the costume design, many viewers praised Lara Dutta’s commanding presence in the trailer.
Several social media users highlighted her expressions, dialogue delivery, and regal screen presence, saying she appeared convincing as the influential queen whose decisions play a pivotal role in the Ramayana.
Some viewers even described her performance as one of the trailer’s strongest elements.
Casting Also Becomes a Topic of Discussion
Another point raised online was the casting of Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi opposite Ranbir Kapoor.
Some users noted the relatively small real-life age difference between the two actors while discussing the mother-son relationship portrayed in the film.
Others argued that acting performances should be evaluated independently of an actor’s actual age, pointing out that age differences in casting are common across cinema.
A Trailer Already Generating Massive Buzz
The latest trailer follows the release of the film’s earlier teaser, which introduced audiences to the world of Ramayana.
The teaser had received mixed responses, with discussions focusing primarily on the visual effects. Since then, the production team has continued promoting the film through special events, including previews at the Pratham Sankalp event in New Delhi and presentations during San Diego Comic-Con 2026, where it was confirmed that Sony Pictures International will distribute the film globally.
Star-Studded Cast
Ramayana features an ensemble cast that includes:
- Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama
- Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita
- Yash as Ravana
- Lara Dutta as Queen Kaikeyi
- Ravi Dubey
- Vivek Oberoi
- Saurabh Sachdeva
- Rakul Preet Singh
The film is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and aims to bring one of India’s most celebrated epics to audiences through a large-scale cinematic adaptation.
Release Schedule
The first installment, Ramayana: Part One, is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release during the Diwali festive season on November 8, 2026.
The second installment is currently planned for release in 2027, continuing the story in a two-part cinematic saga.
