The story of Lord Ram and Mata Sita is once again heading to the big screen, but audiences will get to see one new cinematic interpretation much sooner than expected. Anjali Arora is stepping into the role of Sita in Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha – Shri Ram Ki, a new mythological drama directed by Abhishek Singh.
The film has already attracted attention with its promotional material, particularly because of its release date. The makers have announced September 25, 2026 as the theatrical release date, placing the film ahead of Nitesh Tiwari’s much-awaited Ramayana, which stars Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi in the lead roles.
The two projects are separate productions and feature different casts and filmmakers. However, their proximity in release timing means both are likely to become part of the same conversation among audiences interested in cinematic adaptations of the ancient Indian epic.
Anjali Arora Takes on Sita
For Anjali Arora, the project represents a very different opportunity from the work that initially made her popular with younger audiences.
She will portray Mata Sita, while Dev Sharma has been cast as Lord Ram. Rajniesh Duggal will play Ravan, with Sheel Verma appearing as Lakshman and Nirbhay Wadhwa taking on the role of Hanuman.
Playing Sita is a particularly significant responsibility because the character holds a deeply respected place in Indian cultural and religious traditions. Arora has acknowledged the importance of approaching the role with sensitivity and respect.
Rather than presenting Sita simply as a character in a traditional love story, the film appears to focus on qualities such as strength, devotion, patience and dignity that have long been associated with her portrayal.
For Arora, the role could also mark an interesting transition in her acting career. A performance in a mythological production brings a very different set of expectations compared with contemporary entertainment projects.
A New Film Before Nitesh Tiwari’s Big-Screen Spectacle
The timing of the release has become one of the biggest talking points surrounding the project.
Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana has been one of the most anticipated Indian productions, largely because of its enormous scale and star-studded cast. Ranbir Kapoor will play Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi will portray Sita, while Yash has been cast as Ravan.
The film is being mounted as a large-scale cinematic adaptation with extensive visual effects and an international technical team.
But before that ambitious production reaches audiences, Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha – Shri Ram Ki will arrive in cinemas on September 25.
This gives the Abhishek Singh directorial a clear head start. It also means viewers interested in the epic will have an opportunity to watch a different interpretation of the characters before the much larger production arrives.
What the Film Promises
The upcoming project is expected to cover important portions of the Ramayana, including Ram and Sita's relationship, the events surrounding their marriage, the exile and the larger conflict between good and evil.
The promotional material has reportedly offered glimpses of Sita's swayamvar along with other important moments from the story.
Director Abhishek Singh has spoken about the importance of focusing not just on the spectacle traditionally associated with the epic but also on its emotional themes. Love, sacrifice, family, duty, faith and dharma are expected to form an important part of the narrative.
That approach could help the movie distinguish itself from a purely action-oriented interpretation.
The makers are presenting the story as one that can connect traditional values with contemporary audiences while remaining rooted in the source material.
The Cast Brings a Different Set of Faces
While Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash give Nitesh Tiwari's production considerable star power, this film has opted for a different casting strategy.
Dev Sharma will take on the central role of Ram, with Anjali Arora as Sita. Rajniesh Duggal's portrayal of Ravan will also be closely watched, considering the character's importance to the second half of the epic.
The supporting cast includes actors portraying several familiar figures from the story.
This gives the project an ensemble quality, while the focus remains on the relationship between Ram and Sita and the moral conflicts that drive the larger narrative.
Hindi and Chhattisgarhi Versions
Another notable aspect of the production is that it has been made in Hindi and Chhattisgarhi.
The bilingual release could help the movie connect with audiences beyond the traditional Hindi-speaking market. The project is produced under Mahobiya Films Production, with Prakash Mahobiya and Sanjay Bundela among the producers.
Music is also expected to play an important role in establishing the devotional and emotional atmosphere of the film. The soundtrack features singers including Kailash Kher, Javed Ali, Shaan, Anup Jalota, Shahid Mallya, Vaishali Samant and Krishna Beura.
For a story deeply connected with Indian traditions, music can become an important part of the theatrical experience, particularly during scenes involving devotion, celebrations and major emotional moments.
Ranbir Kapoor’s Version Has a Much Larger Scale
Despite the early release of this film, Nitesh Tiwari's project remains one of the biggest cinematic events surrounding the epic.
Ranbir Kapoor leads the cast as Ram, with Sai Pallavi playing Sita. Yash takes on Ravan, while Sunny Deol has been cast as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman.
The production has also attracted international attention because of the involvement of Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman and Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer. DNEG, known for its work on major visual-effects productions, is handling the visual effects.
The first instalment is expected to arrive around Diwali, giving audiences another major interpretation of the same legendary story later in the year.
The difference in scale between the two productions is likely to be noticeable, but that does not necessarily mean audiences will view them in exactly the same way. One may appeal to viewers looking for a traditional retelling, while the other is being positioned as a large-scale global cinematic spectacle.
Why the Release Timing Matters
The arrival of two separate adaptations within a relatively short period makes 2026 an interesting year for mythological cinema.
The Ramayana has been adapted for films, television and theatre countless times, yet every new version brings its own interpretation of familiar characters. The challenge for filmmakers is to make the story feel fresh without losing the essence that audiences already know.
For Anjali Arora, that challenge is particularly significant. Her portrayal of Sita will inevitably be compared with previous screen interpretations, even though the film itself has its own creative approach.
At the same time, the early release gives the movie an opportunity to establish its identity before the much bigger production arrives.
Two Different Visions of the Same Epic
The biggest takeaway is that audiences are not getting two versions of exactly the same movie. They are getting two separate interpretations of one of India's most enduring stories.
Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha – Shri Ram Ki will introduce Anjali Arora as Sita and Dev Sharma as Ram on September 25. A few weeks later, audiences will turn their attention towards Nitesh Tiwari's much larger production featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi.
For Arora, the September release could become an important milestone as she takes on one of Indian storytelling's most recognised female characters.
Whether audiences embrace her portrayal remains to be seen, but one thing is already certain: Ranbir Kapoor's much-awaited film won't be the first Ramayana-inspired spectacle audiences see in theatres this year. Anjali Arora is getting there first.
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