Ravi Dubey turned the spotlight toward his family on Tuesday night, walking into the private Mumbai preview of Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic Ramayana alongside his wife, actor Sargun Mehta, and both sets of parents. The actor steps into the role of Lakshman in the sprawling two-part production. Red carpets usually demand rehearsed glamour and solo poses. Dubey chose otherwise, pulling all six family members into the flashbulb glare for an extended portrait outside the theatre.
Yet the quietest moment of the night broke the script entirely. Outside the screening hall, veteran star Sunny Deol—cast as Hanuman—stood greeting industry peers when Dubey approached and bent down to touch his feet on the red carpet. Deol took the younger actor by the shoulders and pulled him into a warm embrace. The camaraderie between the two actors set an easy tone for an evening packed with heavy industry presence. Lead star Ranbir Kapoor, playing Lord Rama, arrived alongside his wife Alia Bhatt and mother Neetu Kapoor. Vivek Oberoi walked in with his family, while Rakul Preet Singh attended with producer-husband Jackky Bhagnani.
Nitesh Tiwari's adaptation carries enormous commercial and narrative weight. Backed by producers Namit Malhotra and Yash, the project pairs Kapoor's Rama against Sai Pallavi's Sita, balancing classical devotion with high-budget visual architecture. Dubey's transition to Lakshman marks a major cinematic jump, testing his dramatic range opposite seasoned screen veterans. Deol's casting anchors the project's mass appeal, giving the ensemble a formidable physical presence.
Distribution plans reflect that long-term ambition. The first instalment is locked for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5 this year, launching what producers envision as a multi-year mythological franchise. The second part will follow in 2028, giving Tiwari a four-year runway to complete one of the Indian film industry's most closely watched screen adaptations.