Mohit Singh
Veteran actor Anupam Kher has joined the voice cast of Nitesh Tiwari’s two-part epic Ramayana, lending his voice to Jatayu, the mythic vulture demigod who attempts to rescue Sita during her abduction by Ravana. The makers announced his association on October 13, 2026, with the unveiling of a new character poster.
Announcement Made Ahead of Advance Bookings
The production team shared the Jatayu poster on social media, welcoming Kher to the film’s voice cast. The announcement post described the character in poetic terms: “When evil took flight, courage rose to meet it. He fought not for victory, but for what was right. Jatayu. The Wings of Dharma. Anupam Kher as Jatayu in Ramayana.” The post also confirmed that advance bookings for the film will open in eight days, on Dussehra, October 20.
The newly released poster offers a close-up of Jatayu’s intense gaze, while a second visual shows the legendary bird with his wings spread wide. In the Ramayana epic, Jatayu is remembered for his courageous attempt to rescue Sita from Ravana. Despite being vastly outmatched, he confronts the demon king to protect her, and his sacrifice has come to symbolise bravery, righteousness and selflessness.
About the Film
Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026, as announced by the makers. It will release across India on the same day as its international debut, in multiple languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, and in IMAX and other premium formats.
The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana, alongside Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. It is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations. The second instalment is planned for Diwali 2027.
In the lead-up to the release, the makers have been rolling out character posters for key figures in the epic. Earlier, individual assets for Arun Govil as King Dasharath, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi and Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara were unveiled.
Kher’s Voice-Acting Track Record
This is not Kher’s first outing as a voice artist. The 71-year-old actor previously dubbed for the character Carl Fredricksen in the Hindi version of Pixar’s Up, released in 2009, and also voiced Monty the horse in the animated children’s film The Lion of Judah. With over 540 films to his credit across a four-decade career, Kher remains one of Indian cinema’s most prolific performers.
Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 Poster Unveiled
Separately, Kher took to Instagram on October 14 to share the announcement poster of Khosla Ka Ghosla 2, the sequel to the beloved 2006 comedy-drama, confirming its theatrical release on March 5, 2027. Calling the film one of those rare projects that can make both the movie and its characters immortal, Kher wrote that he felt fortunate to return as Khosla saab, as reported by IANS.
The sequel will see Kiran Juneja, Ranvir Shorey and Tara Sharma reprising their roles from the original, alongside Kher. The film had earlier been slated for release on August 28, 2026, before the makers locked the March 2027 date.
Back on Stage in North America
Kher has also returned to theatre after a gap of a few years with the play Jaane Pehchaane Anjaane, which blends humour and music to explore the themes of loneliness and relationships. The 45-day tour across the US and Canada has seen the actor and his troupe travel to different cities, earning appreciation from audiences, as reported by Cinema Express.
Speaking to PTI from the tour, Kher said he does not carry the burden of stardom on his shoulders. “I do not carry the burden of Anupam Kher on my shoulders,” he said, adding, “If you live in an ivory tower, loneliness is frightening. I don’t. I live a very normal life.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jatayu in the Ramayana?
Jatayu is a demigod who appears in vulturine form in Hindu myth. He is the nephew of Garuda and an old friend of Ram’s father, Dasharath. In the epic, he valiantly attempts to rescue Sita from Ravana, a sacrifice that has made him an enduring symbol of courage and dharma.
When does Ramayana: Part One release?
The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026, as announced by the makers. It will release in India on the same day as its international debut, in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, and in IMAX and other premium formats.
When do advance bookings for Ramayana open?
Advance bookings for the first instalment will open on Dussehra, October 20, 2026, eight days after the announcement of Anupam Kher’s casting as Jatayu.
When is Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 releasing?
Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 is set to release in cinemas on March 5, 2027. The sequel to the 2006 cult classic will see Anupam Kher, Kiran Juneja, Ranvir Shorey and Tara Sharma reprise their roles.
