In a recent interview, actress Kajal Aggarwal revealed that the Lanka portions are not substantial in terms of screen-time in the first part of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part 1, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Rama and Sai Pallavi as Sita. Kajal plays Mandodari in the movie, to be released in theatres for Diwali 2026.
From her words, it's evident that Prabhas' Adipurush was structured differently than Ranbir Kapoor's movie. Director Nitesh Tiwari is deliberately avoiding rushing into the action. Fans on social media argue that keeping Lanka and Mandodari "lesser" in Part 1 proves the film is dedicating maximum screen time to building the emotional core and character bonds in Ayodhya and the forest. Cinephiles deduce that the first part will focus almost entirely on Lord Rama's early life in Ayodhya, his marriage to Sita, the palace intrigue leading to their 14-year exile, and their journey through the forests.
Probably, the first installment will culminate with the abduction of Sita by Ravana, leaving the high-octane war and other aspects for the second film.
Characters like Mandodari (Kajal Aggarwal), Vibhishana, and Kumbhakarna will essentially be treated as extended cameos or brief introductions in the first part.
Fan theories suggest that the "Lanka action" we see in Part 1 consists of historical or flashback action sequences involving Yash's Ravana. Rumors indicate that the film will showcase Ravana's back-story (specifically his mythic, brutal battle against his half-brother Kubera to conquer the Golden Lanka and his lifting of Mount Kailash).
