In July 2023, we were in for a sweet treat when filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari finally resumed his passion project Ramayana. It was further reported that the shooting for the movie was about to commence in December. However, the excitement soared when it was revealed that Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt have been locked in to play the roles of Ram and Sita. But now it looks like there has been a change in the plan.
It turns out the film is still in its initial stages of planning and the makers are yet to finalise the cast. According to a report published in News18, a source close to the film suggests that Alia Bhatt is no longer a part of the movie. The source talked to a leading portal and revealed, “It’s understandable that a magnum opus like Ramayana requires time and intense pre-production work, as they are going into the smallest details of everything to get it right on screen. Which is why things are progressing at a slower pace. Also, as far as the casting is concerned, Ranbir Kapoor is still committed to playing Lord Ram, while Alia Bhatt – who was approached for the project – is no longer part of it. The actress was in talks for the role of Goddess Sita, but the collaboration didn’t work out because of date issues.”
Further, talking about the shooting timeline, the source said, “Ramayana is happening, but it’s going to take some more time. It’s an ambitious project, and the makers want to be fully prepared before taking it on floors. Directors Nitesh Tiwari and Ravi Udhyawar and producers Madhu Mantena and Namit Malhotra intend to make Ramayana the biggest visual spectacle coming out of India. A large team of qualified professionals from across the world is fiercely working to create the world of the Ramayana in all its glory.”
Buzz has it that before Alia, the filmmaker was in talks with Deepika Padukone to play the part of Sita. However, it was later revealed that she had been roped in to play Draupadi in the film. As for the character of Raavan, KGF actor Yash has been finalised. Talking about the same, the source said, “The look test has already happened with Yash, and the conversation has progressed positively. The makers are optimistic about getting him on board, but he has not yet signed. Yash is also committed to National Award-winning director Geethu Mohandas for a big-scale action thriller, so his casting in the Ramayana depends on what he prioritises.”
Honestly, watching Ranbir and Alia play the roles of Ram and Sita on-screen would have been a dream come true. But looks like we might have jinxed it!
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