Dipika Chikhlia, who became synonymous with Sita after Ramanand Sagar’s TV hit Ramayan, says she is no longer rattled by new actors taking on the role. Reacting to Sai Pallavi playing Sita in the upcoming adaptation, Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, she says, “If it’s Sai Pallavi, she’s a fab actress,” adding that she has no doubt the actor “will perform well”.

But asked which contemporary actor she would have liked to see as Sita, Chikhlia picks Alia Bhatt. “She’s very spontaneous, and that’s the kind of person I am,” she says, adding, “She would have looked lovely as Sita.”

Ever since the first glimpse of Ramayana dropped, the film’s costumes have become a talking point. Social media has been abuzz with debates over its modern styling, with many questioning why Sita (Sai Pallavi) is seen wearing blouses, unlike traditional depictions of mythological characters. Memes comparing Kaikeyi’s look (Lara Dutta) to television serial characters have also gone viral.

Costume designers Rimple and Harpreet Narulah, known for their work in films such as Padmaavat and Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, aren’t surprised with the scrutiny.

“We knew conversations and comparisons were inevitable,” says Rimple, adding “An epic like Ramayana has lived in our collective consciousness for generations. There will always be opinions about the casting, costumes, visual effects and what people believe is right or wrong. We were prepared for that. What has kept us grounded is our honesty towards our craft.”

Addressing the biggest criticism — Sita’s blouses — Rimple says, “When I close my eyes and think of Goddess Sita, I don’t think about archaeological authenticity. I wanted my Goddess, the one sitting in my mandir, to look like the image that has lived in my consciousness. That was a deliberate choice.”

She adds that there are no surviving costume references from the Treta Yuga that can conclusively say what people wore.

“Research is the foundation of costume design, but interpretation is what makes it art. There aren’t preserved garments from that period that we can simply recreate. We’ve all grown up seeing calendar art, miniature paintings, temple imagery and Raja Ravi Varma’s interpretations. Ramayana itself has been interpreted differently across cultures and countries. This is our interpretation,” she explains.

Talking about Lara Dutta’s Kaikeyi look, Harpreet shares, “The green in her costume represents motherhood, while the deep maroon reflects the emotional strength and darkness of the decision she has to make. She is torn between her own son and Ram. Every colour was chosen with intention. Sometimes people react too quickly before understanding the thought behind it.”

He signs off saying, “This is our attempt to make an ancient epic speak visually to a new generation. There’s thought behind every thread. We want to appeal to viewers — don’t decide before you see it. Watch it, experience it and then form your opinion.”

Wherever Ram goes, Sita follows, but that certainly doesn’t apply to Sai Pallavi, who plays Sita in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. While the film has hosted four major promotional events yet, Pallavi’s absence from the events and social media has sparked speculation, from online criticism to rumours of a fallout with the team.

Sources, however, say it is purely a scheduling issue. Pallavi is currently shooting Mani Ratnam’s next with Vijay Sethupathi in Kolkata. “Sai has a packed and demanding schedule in Kolkata. The team will move to another location immediately after this. She is focused on finishing her commitment first,” says a source.

Those close to the actor also stress that she has never treated social media as part of her publicity strategy. “She has always maintained a low-key online presence. The trailer is on her grid now. While she reposted it a bit late, that’s just how she has functioned throughout her career. She went for the Delhi event and then straight for her shoot,” says an insider, adding that Pallavi was never meant to attend the Ramayana unveiling at the San Diego Comic-Con.

Pallavi is expected to join co-stars Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, who play Ram and Ravana respectively, for the next phase of promotions. “The plan has always been for Sai to join the promotions in the next phase, which starts in September in several international locations.”

Mumbai: Well-established heroines based in South Indian film industries with fan followings are being increasingly cast in mainstream Hindi films as Bollywood grapples with a thinning bench of bankable female stars.

Unlike in the past, when south-based actresses entered the Hindi film industry at a very early phase of their acting careers like Vyjayanthimala, Rekha and Hema Malini, in recent years, well-established south-based actresses such as Rashmika Mandanna (Cocktail 2, Animal), Sai Pallavi (Ek Din, Ramayana), Keerthy Suresh (Raftaar), Nayanthara (Jawan, a new untitled film with Salman Khan) and Pooja Hegde (Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai) are filling the gap in mainstream heroines in Bollywood, producers, casting directors and distributors told ET.

In the past few years, the pool of dependable and well-established heroines has shrunk. This is a key reason why filmmakers are considering established south-based actresses, casting directors said.

“Today, the pool of established Hindi film heroines is relatively small. Also, accessing this pool can often be a lengthy and complicated process. In contrast, many south-based actresses are highly professional, approachable and easy to collaborate with. Even audiences enjoy seeing fresh on-screen pairings,” said Kunal M Shah, a casting director known for works such as Phule and Bhaukaal.

“For instance, the pairing of actor Salman Khan and actress Nayanthara in one of my upcoming films is creating buzz. Also, Bollywood filmmakers have a much wider and more exciting talent pool to choose from with south-based heroines in contention,” he explained.

“On the one hand, well-established Hindi film actresses such as Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt are entering a different phase of their careers. On the other hand, the frequent failure of films featuring the new crop of very young actresses has proven that they lack striking talent. This has shrunk the pool of mainstream heroines in Bollywood,” observed Shaaminder Malik, a film distributor and trade analyst.

Also, economics favour casting well-established south-based actresses, producers said.

“Established south-based heroines have pan-India appeal thanks to their acceptance among non-south audiences through dubbed films. Casting these actresses in mainstream Bollywood films also boosts collections from their home territories,” said producer Vishesh Agrawal.

Producers also cited factors such as rootedness, freshness and the range of south-based heroines as reasons for their increasing presence in mainstream Bollywood films.

“Today, the industry is compelled to rethink the archetype of a mainstream Bollywood heroine. Audiences are demanding fresher, more rooted and more authentic female leads,” explained Suniel Wadhwa, co-founder and director of Karmic Films.

“Established south-based actresses have been successfully filling this gap with their range and suitability for both rural and urban roles,” he added. “For instance, Rashmika Mandanna looks suitable not only as a village woman in the Pushpa franchise films but also as an urban mainstream heroine in Cocktail 2,” he explained.

Though there is a shift towards casting established south-based heroines, casting directors bemoan the larger problem of a lack of interesting roles being written for heroines.

“Though there is no denying that the new crop of heroines in Bollywood either look very young or lack acting chops. Also, their exposure on social media is relatively higher than that of south-based heroines. But where are the interesting roles for heroines in today’s films?” said a casting director, requesting anonymity.

Going big appears to be the motto of the makers of Ramayana: Part One, be it in terms of shaping the biggest spectacle in Indian cinema or organising a grand first-look event. The buzz in the industry is that filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra have started sending out invites for a Ram Navami event that they will host on March 27 at Gateway Of India in Mumbai. The event will mark the reveal of the principal characters in the Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi-starrer.

Sources indicate that several senior leaders from the state and central government are on the guest list. It also includes stars from the world of entertainment and sports.

An insider told mid-day, “Major Bollywood names are expected to attend. Ranbir, who plays Lord Ram, has personally invited family and close associates to the ceremony. This will be the first time that the epic’s character universe will be presented.”

While Yash and Pallavi portray Ravana and Sita respectively, Sunny Deol essays the part of Hanuman and Ravi Dubey, of Lakshman.

mid-day reached out to Malhotra, who didn’t respond till press time.

The shooting and post-production of Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi’s romantic drama Mere Raho wrapped up in April. The makers then handed over the film’s marketing to Aamir Khan, who, trade sources informed, was responsible for changing the original release date of December 12 to the summer of 2026.

A source told mid-day, “December is a high-pressure corridor. Dhurandhar was big and Aamir had pre-empted it. Moreover, December had another big ticket rom-com lined up with Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday-starrer [Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri]. Thus, it made commercial sense to de-clutter the calendar and avoid overlap, especially at the distribution and exhibition level.”

According to insiders, Mere Raho is now being lined up for a July 2026 release, a window considered favourable for urban romantic dramas. “July offers better leg room for a film like Mere Raho. It needs time, repeat value, and controlled screen density. The summer corridor allows the film to breathe without the noise that comes with the festive and holiday rush,” explained the source.

An official announcement is expected in the coming months.

Last November, mid-day had reported that Alia Bhatt was in talks to headline filmmaker Nag Ashwin’s yet-untitled woman-led film (Alia Bhatt to front Nag Ashwin’s next, Nov 10, 2024). But 11 months is a long time for things to change. Ashwin, whose ‘Kalki 2’ is now undergoing a round of casting following Deepika Padukone’s exit, is reportedly considering focusing on his woman-centric film in the interim. 

However, that clashes with Bhatt, who is said to have given bulk dates to Maddock Films’ ‘Chamunda’ from March 2026. In the latest development, industry chatter suggests that the filmmaker has resumed talks with Sai Pallavi, who has long been his choice to lead the action drama.

A source close to the production revealed, “Nag didn’t let go of the idea of the woman-led film. It was simmering on the backburner through most of 2025. With the developments in Kalki 2, bringing the other project forward is a possibility.”

Pallavi, however, can allot her dates only after the two-part Ramayana is complete.

The source adds, “She is expected to wrap up the second instalment of ‘Ramayana’ by mid-2026. If the dates align, she could step into Nag’s film before he moves to ‘Kalki 2’.”

Insiders, however, insist that schedules and casting could shift, given the dynamic nature of the projects in question.

Telugu actor Sai Pallavi is set to portray Sita alongside Ranbir Kapoor’s Lord Ram and Yash’s Ravana in director Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. However, Sai was not the only contender for the role. In a recent interview, actor Srinidhi Shetty, popularly known for KGF, confirmed that she had also auditioned for the role.

“Yes, I did give a screen test, and they loved it,” she revealed in an interview with Siddharth Kannan. However, she claimed that she decided to not go ahead because the audiences had already seen her romance Yash’s character Rocky in KGF, and would have probably not preferred to watch them in an antagonistic dynamic.

“People might not have been able to digest us against each other. So somewhere, I thought, it might or might not set (sic),” she explained.

Speaking about the makers casting Sai as Sita, she said, “I feel she is a great choice. I would love to see her as Sita. And I always say, when something works, it’s great; when it doesn’t, it’s still wonderful because new doors will open for you.”

Ramayana will release in two parts — one in 2026 and the other in 2027.

When a magnum opus reaches the finish line, it’s rounded off with a grand celebration. But for filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari, the end of one passion project marks the beginning of another. Even as Ramayana: Part 1 is almost complete, the director is ready to dive into its sequel. We’ve heard that Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Ram in the mythological epic, is set to commence filming for the next chapter in early May. 

It turns out extensive look tests were conducted at Film City this week.

A source reveals, “Ranbir is shooting Love & War now. From next month, the actor may juggle the two projects for a brief time. Since there is a visible change in his avatar for the Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, the team held a look test to see how he could fit back into the avatar of Lord Ram. They also went through his costumes. Since the second part has a darker and intense graph, the outfits need to reflect that.”

The unit has begun prepping for the critical sequences set in Ashok Vatika, the lush garden in Lanka where Sita was held captive.

Another insider from the production says, “Sai Pallavi, who plays Sita, will film the Ashok Vatika portions in this leg. Two songs are also lined up for this stint, and will be wrapped before the monsoons hit the city.”

If things go as planned, Ramayana: Part Two will be wrapped up by October.

Recently, there were reports that actor Sai Pallavi gave up non-veg food as she is part of filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. However, she has now rubbished the reports, warning legal action against further rumours.

On Wednesday, Pallavi took to X with a long note slamming the news. She wrote, “Most of the times, almost every-time, I choose to stay silent whenever I see baseless rumours/ fabricated lies/ incorrect statements being spread with or without motives(God knows) but it’s high-time that I react as it keeps happening consistently and doesn’t seem to cease; especially around the time of my films’ releases/ announcements/ cherish-able moments of my career! Next time I see any “reputed” page or media/ individual carrying a cooked up crappy story in the name of news or gossip then you will hear from me legally! Period! (sic)”.

This comes after a Tamil daily stated that the actor has given up non-veg food, as she is playing the role of Sita. It further claimed that she travels with her own team of cooks during her trips, who make only vegetarian food for her. However, Pallavi has always been a vegetarian. In an earlier interview, the actor had stated, “If you take food, I am forever a vegetarian.”

We haven’t seen much of Junaid Khan since his Bollywood debut in June with Maharaj, but it looks like we might get a double dose of him in February 2025. Trade insiders suggest that his yet-untitled next, produced by superstar-father Aamir Khan and co-starring Sai Pallavi, is eyeing a Valentine’s week release. As luck would have it, his romantic drama with Khushi Kapoor, co-produced by Boney Kapoor, is already lined up for a February 7 outing. Two Junaid-starrers releasing back-to-back will only eat into each other’s business, but insiders say that the producers of both are keen to cash in on the Valentine’s Day hype.

A source told us, “Aamir has been eyeing February 14 for months. They have planned promotions and distribution channels around this date. So, changing it now is difficult.”

Meanwhile, a source associated with the Boney and Phantom Studios’ production, said, “In September, the makers had announced the release date. Keeping the film’s theme of young romance in mind, they want to stick to the February window.” The Junaid-Khushi starrer, directed by Advait Chandan, is an official remake of the Tamil hit, Love Today (2022).

It is now heard that the producers will meet soon to discuss the possibility of moving dates. The source adds, “Right now, Aamir is busy with Laapataa Ladies’ promotions in the US for Oscars. But he is planning to meet the producers of Love Today remake later this month, before the two parties lock their dates. An announcement of the new dates is expected by December.”

Actor Sunil Lahri, who played Lakshman on the iconic ’80s TV show Ramayan, feels it will be hard for actors Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi to find “acceptance” as Ram and Sita.

“From the [leaked pics], I liked his look and he will look perfect in that role. But I don’t know how much people will accept him as Ram,” he says, reasoning: “I feel that you should take someone who has no image or baggage. After doing something like Animal (2023), recently, it will be very difficult for people to see him in a role as different as Shri Ram. In coming out with this, he has to crush his earlier performances.”

Pallavi, on the other hand, doesn’t fit Lahri’s personal standard in terms of looks. “I’m not very convinced. In my mind, Sita has a very beautiful and perfect-looking face, and I don’t think Sai’s face has that perfection,” the 63-year-old opines, adding, “I don’t know how they are going to make this actress look that attractive that Ravan would fall for her.”

Lahri is also circumspect of actor-MP Arun Govil, who played Ram in Ramayan, playing Dashrath in Tiwari’s film. “He’s crushing his own personality. If something like that was offered to me, I wouldn’t have done that. For that matter, I wouldn’t have said yes to any other role [in a film based on the Ramayana],” Lahri signs off.

The change of production hands on Nitesh Tiwari’s directorial venture, based on the Ramayan, hasn’t particularly cleared obstacles in the filmmaking process. Following previous co-producer Madhu Mantena’s departure, it was supposed that the film would find a new direction; however, Mantena has reportedly asked for a pause in the filming process until he is appropriately compensated.

A source reveals that the shoot of Tiwari’s mythological offering has stalled after the copyright infringement case. “The shooting continued for a few days after the notice, but has been on hold since last week. The matter has to be resolved legally, and filming will only resume when a consensus on the matter is reached,” says the source associated with the film, which, apart from Kapoor as Lord Ram, also stars Sunny Deol, Yash, and Sai Pallavi.

While work on the offering isn’t currently underway, sources from the production house assert that the film has not been canned. Shooting, they say, is likely to commence in three weeks. “There are date-related issues that need to be addressed since Ranbir is expected to start [Sanjay Leela] Bhansali’s project later this year, and Sunny will move on to filming Border 2. Shooting will be scheduled in such a way that their absence doesn’t hamper the project. It will be shot in two parts, with the second edition eyeing a release date six months after the first part hits screens.”

mid-day reached out to Tiwari, who did not respond till press time.

Early this month, the Nitesh Tiwari-directed Ramayan ran into legal trouble owing to its intellectual property rights. The production house, Allu Mantena Media Ventures LLP, which originally owned the rights to the film, has been in negotiation with Prime Focus Technologies Limited since April for the transfer of ownership. However, the talks failed due to an incomplete payment to formalize the agreement.

While everyone assumed that the disagreement would stall the Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi-starrer, sources claim that the production team and director remain undeterred in their commitment to bringing the epic tale to life on the big screen.

A source from the set informs that there is no delay in work, saying, “It has been business as usual for [everyone on set]. We have been working relentlessly every day. There is no scope for stalling as bulk dates have been taken from the cast and crew.”

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the project’s financing and production logistics, the spirit of collaboration prevails on set. “South actors Sai and Yash are committed until May-end. We will be filming a crucial sequence in Film City next week, and most of the cast will be present for the shoot,” added the source.

Nitesh Tiwari had certainly not imagined such a start to Ramayana. Only days after the filmmaker kicked off his magnum opus, pictures of Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi as Lord Ram and Sita leaked as they shot a sequence in Film City, Goregaon. The internet had a field day dissecting the actors’ looks in the mythological drama, which also stars Yash as Raavan. To avoid a similar situation in the future, we hear Tiwari has sprung into action and made changes to the schedule.

Considering Ramayana is one of the most anticipated films, a premature reveal affects its novelty. Understanding this, the filmmaker is said to have rejigged the schedule to prioritize indoor shoots.

A source from the set tells us, “Going forward, Nitesh sir has decided to focus on the indoor shoots, thus minimizing chances of another leak. The outdoor shoots will happen at night for the next few weeks. Also, additional private security has been hired to safeguard the set from paparazzi or fans lurking around for pictures.”

Right when the first part of the trilogy rolled, the makers had exercised a no-phone policy on the set. “That rule is non-negotiable. The unit will shoot continuously till the rains hit as Nitesh sir wants to complete a chunk by June. The makers are planning to shoot an elaborate portion later this week, which could become the announcement sequence. It is expected to be unveiled in June,” adds the source.

Last month, mid-day had reported that filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari had to push the shoot of Ramayan to mid-April as the outfits were being reworked (No costumes, no katha, March 15). On Monday, the team began the look test with the new costumes at the set in Film City.

Simultaneously, the production team screened several artistes to zero in on the body doubles for Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, who will portray Lord Ram and Raavan respectively. This preparation sets the stage for the shoot today.

Beginning today, the cast—including leading lady Sai Pallavi—will face the camera for what is easily one of Bollywood’s most anticipated films at the moment. The next few days will be hectic for the unit.

A source reveals, “After the body doubles are locked, they will be called throughout the week to shoot stunts against the green screen. On Monday, the extras were also called on the set to prep for the crowd sequences. Over the next few days, the team will shoot several elaborate scenes featuring a crowd. Nitesh wants everything perfect down to the last detail for his magnum opus.”

The epic saga has been envisioned as a trilogy, with the first instalment slated to release in 2025.

In January, mid-day had reported that filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari was gearing up to take the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer, Ramayan, on floors by March (Ram katha shuru, Jan 12). We now hear the team has begun scouting for actors to play young Ram and Lakshman, at the Prime Focus office in Mumbai.

The director is expected to zero in on the actors within the next two weeks. A source reveals, “Ranbir is playing Lord Ram while Naveen Polishetty has been approached for the role of Lakshman. Nitesh sir and the casting team want to ensure that the younger versions of Ram and Lakshman are in alignment with the actors playing the grown-up parts. At the moment, four to five young actors have been shortlisted.”

Yash and Sai Pallavi will play Ravana and Sita respectively in the ambitious trilogy.

Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayan, led by Ranbir Kapoor, is easily the most anticipated project in Bollywood. Following over a year of scripting, casting and prep, it is almost time for the filmmaker to take his ambitious venture—that sees Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana—on floors. We hear the magnum opus is set to roll on March 2 in Film City, Goregaon.

A source reveals, “The cast and crew were recently informed that March 2 is the big day. Nitesh sir has charted out a long schedule in Film City. In the first part of the leg, Ranbir and Sai will shoot the dialogue-heavy scenes. The major crowd sequences, including some war portions, will be shot in April and May. The idea is to wrap these scenes before the monsoons hit the city.”

Tiwari and the Oscar-winning VFX company, DNEG, which is also co-producing the project, have meticulously crafted the on-screen world of the epic. Months of prep have included 3D scans and look tests with the lead cast. Next month, Kapoor is slated to visit the Los Angeles office of DNEG for a tech rehearsal.

The source adds, “In the first few weeks of the shoot, the makers will also be flying down expert technicians from Los Angeles to help them get familiar with the process.”

The first instalment of the trilogy is scheduled to release in the second half of 2025.