After Yash Raj Films' Shamshera and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal, Ranbir Kapoor is set to take on a double role again. Peepingmoon.com has exclusively learned that Ranbir plays both Lord Ram and Parashuram in Nitesh Tiwari's highly-anticipated mythological epic, Ramayana.

Ranbir’s double role aligns with the fact that both Ram and Parashuram are avatars of Lord Vishnu. “In the Ramayana, Parashuram had a conflict with Ram after Shiva’s bow, Pinaka, was broken. He challenges Ram to bend Vishnu’s bow, and upon witnessing Ram succeed, he acknowledges Ram as an incarnation of Vishnu and retreats to his penance. Although Parashuram's role in the epic is brief, it holds significant importance, and the filmmakers have ensured it reflects that. Ranbir will have a completely distinct and unrecognizable look as Parashuram,” a source close to the development told us.

We have also learned that Amitabh Bachchan has also joined the ensemble cast of this two-part mythological saga, planned to be made on a staggering budget of $100 million. However, the legendary actor will not physically appear on screen. Instead, he will only lend his voice to the divine bird Jatayu, who loses his wings and life during a confrontation with Ravana while attempting to rescue Goddess Sita during her abduction. Although it's a cameo, the filmmakers have scanned Bachchan’s eyes for VFX purposes to further enhance Jatayu’s portrayal.

Namit Malhotra, founder of the renowned global VFX company DNEG, is producing this classic tale of good versus evil under Prime Focus Studios in partnership with KGF star Yash’s Monster Mind Creations. Their aim is to create an Indian film that resonates internationally as a grand cinematic experience. Ramayana is the most ambitious project coming out of India, and they're treating it with the due care and reverence that it deserves, presenting it in such a way that Indian hearts will swell with pride.

Nitesh Tiwari, Namit Malhotra, and Yash have recruited top-tier global talent to bring this classic tale to life with the utmost grandeur. Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Ram, while South Indian actress Sai Pallavi has been cast as Goddess Sita, with Yash set to take on the role of Ravana. The stellar ensemble also includes Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravi Dubey as Laxman, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha, Arun Govil as Dashrath, Kunal Kapoor as Indra Dev, Harman Baweja as Vibhishan, Shishir Sharma as Guru Vasishtha, and Sonia Balani as Urmila, among others.

The film went on floors in April, following over five years of pre-production and meticulous planning, and is expected to be wrapped up by November, eyeing a mega worldwide theatrical release in 2026. The first part will chronicle the early lives of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, their marriage, and their 14-year exile, culminating in the climactic battle against Ravana in the second part. Stay tuned for more updates on this mythological epic.