The first trailer for Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana has finally been released, and beyond showcasing its grand scale, it quietly plants the seeds for several key events from the epic. Spanning over four minutes, the trailer introduces Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Raavan, while subtly hinting at the chain of events that ultimately leads to Sita's abduction and the battle for Lanka.
While audiences get glimpses of Ayodhya, Lanka and the forests where Ram's exile unfolds, many of the trailer's biggest revelations lie in its carefully placed characters and symbolic moments. From Raavan's conquest of the three worlds to Mareech's deception and Jatayu's sacrifice, the trailer lays the foundation for the larger story.
The trailer begins with Raavan, not Ram
The opening itself is telling. Instead of introducing Lord Ram, the trailer first focuses on Raavan.
Yash's Raavan appears hooded, walking confidently past guards who question his identity. His reply—"Tumhara naya raja" ("Your new king")—immediately establishes his ambition.
The trailer presents Raavan after completing years of intense penance dedicated to Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva. Having received powerful boons that make him nearly invincible, he returns not to seek peace but to expand his dominance.
His declaration that Dev Lok, Prithvi Lok and Paatal Lok will all come under Raavan's rule reflects his ambition to control all three realms.
By this stage in the story, Raavan has already defeated his half-brother Kubera, seized Lanka and set out to establish supremacy across the universe.
The significance of the Pushpak Vimana
Among the trailer's most visually striking sequences is the appearance of the Pushpak Vimana soaring across the sky.
According to mythology, the celestial aircraft was crafted by the divine architect Vishwakarma for Lord Brahma before eventually being gifted to Kubera. After defeating Kubera, Raavan takes possession of both Lanka and the Pushpak Vimana.
The aircraft is described in the Ramayana as a divine vehicle capable of travelling at the speed of thought while expanding to accommodate its passengers.
Its appearance in the trailer symbolises Raavan's immense wealth and power rather than serving merely as a means of transportation.
The trailer also briefly shows Sita aboard the Pushpak Vimana, foreshadowing the sequence following her abduction.
Raavan's battle against Airavata
Another notable scene features Raavan confronting a gigantic white elephant with multiple tusks and wings.
The creature appears to be Airavata, the celestial mount of Lord Indra.
According to Hindu mythology, Airavata emerged during the Samudra Manthan and later became the vehicle of the king of the Devas.
The confrontation shown in the trailer appears to reference Raavan's campaign against the heavens after receiving his divine boons.
In the Valmiki Ramayana, Airavata attacks Raavan during battle, inflicting deep wounds with its tusks before Raavan ultimately prevails.
The sequence highlights both Raavan's immense strength and his growing arrogance before his eventual confrontation with Ram.
Ram's understated introduction
Following Raavan's grand entrance, Lord Ram is introduced in a far more restrained manner.
The trailer explains that whenever the universe faces great danger, Lord Vishnu incarnates to restore balance. This time, he is born as Ram—not as an all-powerful deity arriving fully formed, but as a human prince destined to earn his victory.
Ranbir Kapoor is shown riding horseback, sharing moments with King Dashrath, played by Arun Govil, before scenes depicting his marriage to Sita.
The trailer quickly transitions from the wedding to Kaikeyi's demands, setting in motion Ram's exile.
Arun Govil's casting as Dashrath is particularly symbolic, given his iconic portrayal of Ram in the original television adaptation.
Sai Pallavi's Sita
Sai Pallavi receives comparatively limited screen time, but her portrayal leaves a strong impression.
Her performance emphasises calmness, dignity and warmth, while her Hindi dialogue delivery has also drawn attention for sounding natural despite early curiosity surrounding her performance.
A brief but noteworthy moment shows Sita wielding a sword, suggesting that the film may present a more active interpretation of her character than audiences have traditionally seen.
Jatayu's appearance
The trailer also introduces Jatayu, voiced by Anupam Kher.
Rather than limiting him to a passing glimpse, the film gives the legendary vulture king a prominent close-up, showcasing an impressive visual design.
In the epic, Jatayu is an old friend of King Dashrath who attempts to rescue Sita when Raavan abducts her aboard the Pushpak Vimana.
Despite knowing he cannot defeat Raavan, he sacrifices his life trying to stop him.
His death becomes one of the emotional turning points of the Ramayana, transforming Ram's exile into a mission to rescue Sita.
Mareech's brief appearance
Towards the end of the trailer, Saurabh Sachdeva appears briefly behind a tree, portraying the demon Mareech.
Although his appearance is fleeting, it hints at one of the epic's most significant events.
Initially reluctant to assist Raavan, Mareech eventually agrees after being threatened.
Using his magical abilities, he transforms into the golden deer that captures Sita's attention.
When Ram pursues and eventually strikes the deer, Mareech imitates Ram's voice while crying out for help.
Believing Ram to be in danger, Sita persuades Lakshman to leave the hut, creating the opportunity for Raavan to abduct her.
This deception becomes one of the defining moments of the story.
Manthara and Kaikeyi
Sheeba Chadha briefly appears alongside Lara Dutta, who portrays Queen Kaikeyi.
Chadha plays Manthara, Kaikeyi's trusted maid whose counsel dramatically alters the course of the epic.
It is Manthara who persuades Kaikeyi to invoke the two boons granted to her by King Dashrath, demanding Bharat's coronation and Ram's exile for 14 years.
Her actions become the catalyst for the events that follow.
Shobana as Kaikasi
Veteran actor Shobana appears briefly as Kaikasi, the mother of Raavan.
Although the trailer reveals little about her role, Kaikasi is a significant figure in Raavan's backstory.
Her presence suggests that the film may devote considerable attention to Raavan's origins and family relationships.
Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha
Rakul Preet Singh portrays Surpanakha, Raavan's sister.
The trailer briefly depicts her encounter with Ram during his exile.
After Ram rejects her advances, Lakshman cuts off her nose, an act that ultimately motivates Raavan to seek revenge by abducting Sita.
Vivek Oberoi's Vidyutjihva
Vivek Oberoi also appears briefly as Vidyutjihva, a relatively lesser-known character from the epic.
Vidyutjihva is a Danava prince from the Kalkeya clan who secretly marries Surpanakha.
Raavan strongly opposes the union because of the rivalry between their clans and eventually kills Vidyutjihva himself.
The confrontation shown in the trailer hints that the film may explore this lesser-known aspect of Raavan's story.
What the trailer deliberately withholds
Despite revealing several major characters, the trailer notably omits Sunny Deol's Lord Hanuman.
The absence appears intentional, with Hanuman's introduction seemingly reserved for the second part of the film.
Given Hanuman's pivotal role in the Ramayana, his eventual appearance is likely to be one of the franchise's biggest moments.
The trailer is also underscored by music composed by AR Rahman alongside Hans Zimmer, whose collaboration immediately contributes to the film's epic scale.
Rather than revealing too much, the trailer carefully positions every major narrative piece—Raavan's rise, Ram's arrival, the Pushpak Vimana, the golden deer, the exile and the eventual abduction—while leaving the larger story to unfold in the film itself.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana: Part One is scheduled for release this Diwali, with Part Two set to arrive during Diwali 2027.
