Archive · 5 Aug 2026
Rakul Preet Singh's Glamorous Surpanakha vs 1987 Ramayan Classic
The Ramayana is a very old Indian story about a prince named Rama.
A new movie version of this story is coming out, and its trailer was shown to the world on July 30, 2026.
In the movie, actress Rakul Preet Singh plays Surpanakha, a demon princess who is the sister of the demon king Ravana.
Many people called her the most glamorous demoness ever because of her golden jewellery and fancy outfits.
Long ago, in 1987, a TV show called Ramayan showed the same character, played by Renu Dhariwal.
That Surpanakha had loud expressions and dramatic makeup, like a classic television villain.
In the story, Surpanakha likes Rama, but he says no, and his brother Lakshmana cuts off her nose.
She gets very angry and tells her brother Ravana to take revenge, which starts the big war.
Some people love the new glamorous look, while others think it is too fancy for the old story.
The movie's first part will come out during Diwali in 2026.
Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana trailer was unveiled globally on July 30, 2026, at 4:15 AM IST across major digital platforms.
Rakul Preet Singh's portrayal of Surpanakha was dubbed the 'most glamorous Rakshasi ever' and went viral on social media.
Her portrayal is being compared to Renu Dhariwal's Surpanakha in Ramanand Sagar's classic 1987 TV serial Ramayan.
In the epic, Surpanakha's nose was severed by Lakshmana, and her rage drove Ravana to abduct Sita, leading to the great war.
The trailer drew mixed reactions, including backlash for Sita and Kaikeyi's wardrobe and the absence of Sunny Deol as Hanuman.
- Who
- Rakul Preet Singh, who plays Surpanakha in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana, and Renu Dhariwal, who played the role in Ramanand Sagar's 1987 Ramayan.
- What
- A comparison of the two portrayals of Surpanakha in look, costume, and performance following the release of the new Ramayana trailer.
- When
- July 30, 2026, when the trailer was unveiled at 4:15 AM IST; the film releases in Diwali 2026.
- Where
- India; the trailer was unveiled globally online and across major digital platforms.
- Why
- Surpanakha's rejection and humiliation by Rama and Lakshmana made her the instigator behind the Ramayana war, so her portrayal matters to the epic's core conflict.
Fan enthusiasm for the modern adaptation
Criticism of the modern adaptation
Surpanakha's look
Fan enthusiasm for the modern adaptation
Rakul Preet Singh looks regal, polished, and glamorous with golden jewellery and dramatic costumes, earning her the title of the 'most glamorous Rakshasi ever'.
Criticism of the modern adaptation
Some find the look over-the-top glamorous and say it diverges largely from how Surpanakha should appear in the Treta Yuga, unlike the simpler 1980s TV portrayal.
Trailer and CGI reception
Fan enthusiasm for the modern adaptation
The trailer earned a nod from the audience, with improved CGI and Rakul Preet Singh becoming a viral social media phenomenon.
Criticism of the modern adaptation
There were mixed reactions, including complaints about missing Sunny Deol as Hanuman, severe backlash against the wardrobe for Sita and Kaikeyi, and mixed-bag views on the CGI.
- Film
- Ramayana (Part 1)
- Director
- Nitesh Tiwari
- Trailer release
- July 30, 2026, 4:15 AM IST
- Release date
- Diwali 2026
- Surpanakha (new film)
- Rakul Preet Singh
- Surpanakha (1987 serial)
- Renu Dhariwal
- Ravana
- Yash
- Sita
- Sai Pallavi