Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana continues to expand its already impressive cast, with veteran actor Anupam Kher reportedly coming on board for a pivotal role. While the filmmaker has assembled some of Indian cinema’s biggest stars to bring the timeless epic to life, the latest addition is one that relies purely on voice and emotion. Kher has reportedly been confirmed as the voice of Jatayu, the noble vulture whose sacrifice remains one of Ramayana’s most moving chapters.
The update has generated fresh excitement among fans, especially after months of speculation suggested that Amitabh Bachchan would lend his voice to the revered character. The confirmation adds another accomplished performer to a project that is already being positioned as one of the most ambitious Indian films ever mounted.
Anupam Kher to voice one of the epic’s most beloved characters
The development was revealed through an Instagram post by the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival, which confirmed that Anupam Kher will voice Jatayu in Ramayana.
“Veteran actor Anupam Kher has been confirmed as the voice of Jatayu in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. The announcement puts an end to months of speculation that Amitabh Bachchan would voice the legendary bird who fights Ravana while trying to rescue Sita. Jatayu’s battle with Ravana is expected to be one of the film’s most emotionally powerful sequences. Director Nitesh Tiwari has reportedly highlighted the scene as a major cinematic moment, with Anupam Kher’s voice set to bring the revered character to life on screen,” read the post.
Jatayu occupies a special place in the Ramayana. The aged but fearless bird attempts to stop Ravana from abducting Sita and puts up a valiant fight despite being overpowered. His sacrifice later becomes a crucial turning point in Rama’s search for Sita, making the character one of the epic’s most respected symbols of courage, loyalty and selflessness. Kher’s distinctive voice is expected to bring gravitas and emotional depth to the memorable sequence.
A grand retelling of an ancient epic
Planned as a two-part cinematic event, Ramayana chronicles the journey of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, from his life as the prince of Ayodhya to his exile, the abduction of Sita and his ultimate confrontation with Ravana. The project has been mounted on a massive scale, combining cutting-edge visual effects with an ensemble featuring some of the biggest names from across Indian cinema.
Ranbir Kapoor headlines the film as Rama, while Sai Pallavi essays the role of Sita. Yash takes on the formidable role of Ravana and is also associated with the project as a co-producer. Sunny Deol will portray Hanuman, while Ravie Dubey has been cast as Lakshman. The film also features music by two globally acclaimed composers, Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman, marking a rare collaboration that has further heightened expectations.
The makers unveiled the first glimpse earlier this year, offering audiences a taste of the film’s visual scale and ambitious world-building. Since then, every casting announcement has become a talking point, reflecting the enormous curiosity surrounding the adaptation.
The first instalment of Ramayana is slated for a theatrical release during Diwali 2026, with the concluding chapter expected to arrive in Diwali 2027. As the countdown begins, the addition of Anupam Kher as the voice of Jatayu only strengthens the film’s promise of blending spectacle with emotional storytelling.
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