Fresh images claiming to show Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi as Lord Rama and Sita from the upcoming epic Ramayana recently surfaced online, sparking widespread discussion among fans. The pictures appeared to show the actors dressed in elaborate royal outfits inspired by the characters. Many fans believed the leaked image was taken from the shooting of a wedding sequence in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana.
On Saturday, several social media accounts began circulating the image, which supposedly offered the first clear look at Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi as Lord Ram and Goddess Sita in the ambitious two-part film. In the viral photo, Ranbir appeared to be wearing a golden crown and jewellery, while Sai seemed to be gazing at him, dressed in regal headgear and bridal gold ornaments.
While the image sparked excitement, its unusual clarity also raised suspicion among several social media users.
Some users pointed out that leaked images from film sets are rarely this sharp and detailed. Others questioned the timing of the leak, noting that the first part of the film had reportedly completed shooting months ago. A few users even asked Grok, the AI chatbot on X, to verify the image, and it suggested that the visuals appeared to be an edited face-swap rather than authentic stills.
Here’s the truth behind the viral image
The rumours were eventually addressed by television actor Ashish Sharma, who famously portrayed Lord Rama in the 2015-16 television series Siya Ke Ram. Sharing one of the viral pictures on social media, Ashish revealed that the image was actually a modified version of a still from his show.
“Here you go. One more ‘Original’ leaked image. AI couldn’t replace my hair,” he joked while posting the original frame from the series, confirming that the viral image had been digitally altered using his photograph.
Siya Ke Ram, which aired on Star Plus, presented the story of the Ramayana from Sita’s perspective. Apart from Ashish Sharma as Lord Ram, the show featured Madirakshi Mundle as Sita, Karan Suchak as Lakshman, Karthik Jayaram as Ravana, and Danish Akhtar Saifi as Lord Hanuman.
All about Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is being developed as a two-part cinematic adaptation of the Indian epic. The first instalment is scheduled for a theatrical release during Diwali.
The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita. It also features Yash as Ravana, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman.
The project is reportedly one of the most expensive films ever produced in Indian cinema. It will feature visual effects from the Oscar-winning studio Prime Focus, with music composed by Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman. The film is slated to hit theatres as the big Diwali release this year.
