The makers of "Ramayana" have unveiled the first look of Arun Govil in Nitesh Tiwari's film. He will play King Dasharatha, the ruler of Ayodhya. The poster, released on social media, shows him seated on a throne in royal attire.
The Caption That Says It All
Alongside the poster, the makers wrote that he brought Ram to life for a generation and now returns to the world of Ramayana as the king of Ayodhya. The line points directly to his earlier work, which many viewers still associate with the character.
From Ram to Dasharatha
Govil played Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar's serial "Ramayan," and his performance left a deep impression on audiences in the 1980s. Seeing him return as the father of Ram, in a new telling of the same epic, is likely to be an emotional moment for many viewers. The casting links two generations of audiences to the story.
About "Ramayana Part 1"
The film is directed by Nitesh Tiwari. Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi plays Sita, and Ravi Dubey plays Laxman. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on November 6, 2026.
Why This Casting Matters
Casting an actor so closely identified with Ram as Ram's father is a deliberate nostalgic choice. It gives the film an instant connection with viewers who grew up on the television serial, while also signalling respect for the earlier adaptation. How the new film balances that legacy with its own scale and vision will be a key point of discussion as the release nears.