New Delhi, July 16, 2026: The anticipation surrounding director Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming cinematic adaptation of the Ramayana has reached a fever pitch. Touted as one of the most expensive and visually ambitious projects in the history of Indian cinema, the film has consistently stayed in the headlines for its star-studded cast and massive scale. Adding fuel to the excitement, popular actress Kajal Aggarwal recently opened up about her involvement in the magnum opus. In a candid series of interviews, the actress shared insightful updates regarding the production status of the franchise, dropped details about her specific role, and expressed her deep admiration for her co-star, Kannada superstar Yash.
The Grand Scope and Production Status of Part 1
For months, rumors have circulated about the exact production schedule of the multi-part franchise, leaving fans guessing about how much of the epic story has already been captured on camera. Kajal Aggarwal provided a clear, definitive update that instantly cleared the air. She confirmed that the team has exclusively focused on filming the first installment. “We’ve only filmed Part One,” Kajal revealed, indicating that the filmmakers are meticulously focusing all their creative energy on ensuring the first chapter sets a new global benchmark before moving on to subsequent segments.
The film is officially structured as a two-part cinematic saga, with Ramayana: Part 1 locked in for a massive theatrical release during the festive window of Diwali 2026, while the concluding Part 2 is scheduled to follow during Diwali 2027.
Becoming Mandodari Opposite Yash’s Ravana
Kajal Aggarwal has been roped in to play the critical character of Mandodari, the wise and graceful queen of Lanka and wife of the formidable demon king Ravana. Speaking honestly about the length of her screen time in the first installment, Kajal noted that because Part 1 primarily builds the foundation of the story, the regions of Lanka feature less prominently in the narrative layout.
Despite the limited screen time in the introductory film, the actress emphasized that the significance of the character and the sheer scale of the production made it an unmissable opportunity. In traditional lore, Mandodari represents the unwavering voice of righteousness, constantly attempting to guide Ravana away from his destructive path. The production team intentionally sought an actress with an established pan-India appeal across both Bollywood and South Indian cinema to encapsulate the sheer elegance and moral complexity required for the role.
Praising Yash’s Dedication and Artistry
One of the major highlights of Kajal’s recent statements was her glowing praise for Yash, who portrays Ravana and also serves as a co-producer on the project. The on-screen pairing of Yash and Kajal has already sparked tremendous excitement among moviegoers.
Reflecting on her experience filming alongside the KGF star, Kajal described him as an incredibly professional and immensely talented individual. She noted that his involvement goes far beyond just delivering lines; he is profoundly invested in the thematic depth and visual direction of the entire film. “He’s a wonderful actor. I’ve always admired his work, and it was amazing to work with him on this project,” Kajal shared, highlighting that Yash’s intense energy and commitment made the entire collaborative experience highly motivating for everyone on set.
A Deeply Personal and Culturally Advanced Magnum Opus
For Kajal, working on Ramayana is both a professional milestone and a deeply sentimental journey. Like millions of Indians, she grew up watching the classic television adaptations of the epic on Doordarshan every Sunday morning. She remarked that the narrative is woven into the very fabric of Indian households, making it culturally and spiritually significant to her.
Now a mother, Kajal revealed that her choice of films has evolved considerably. She shared a heartwarming anecdote about how her young son is currently obsessed with the Ramayana, frequently acting out the stories at home. Knowing that his favorite character happens to be Ravana, she was thrilled to tell him that she would be playing Ravana’s wife on the big screen. She intends for this two-part epic to be the very first film her son watches in a movie theater.
Beyond the personal connection, Kajal hailed the project as a groundbreaking technical marvel. Backed by an estimated budget of ₹4,000 crore, the film integrates state-of-the-art visual effects spearheaded by Namit Malhotra’s Academy Award-winning VFX studio, DNEG. The film also boasts an unprecedented musical collaboration between Oscar winners A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer. Kajal confidently asserted that Indian audiences have never witnessed a production of this technical caliber, describing it as a true “world film” capable of captivating international viewers.
A Look at the Star-Studded Ensemble
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the cinematic retelling features a powerful cast from various film industries to give the project a genuinely national footprint.
With principal photography for Part 1 concluded and the global marketing campaign kicking into high gear via international platforms, Kajal Aggarwal’s insights have firmly reassured fans that the production is moving in the right direction. As the team readies the highly anticipated trailer, the film remains on track to be the defining cinematic event of Diwali 2026.