Ramayana trailer: Rakul Preet Singh’s Surpanakha sparks buzz, draws comparisons with 1987 classic

After the trailer of Ramayana, Nitesh Tiwari’s portrayal of Surpanakha has been all the rage and front page news, with Rakul Preet Singh arguably being a crucial addition to the film. Some people were mixed in their responses to the trailer while many were impressed with Rakul’s super shiny outfit as that iconic demoness, along with any reference to Hanuman by the legendary Sunny Deol, was missing.

Many have even called her the “most glamorous Surpanakha ever, and compared her to Renu Dhariwal’s legendary portrayal in Ramanand Sagar’s epic Ramayan (1987).”

According to the Hindu epic, Ravana’s sister Surpanakha is the daughter of Sage Vishrava and Kaikesi. In Panchavati, she becomes attracted to Lord Rama, and makes herself beautiful to capture His love. But Rama rejects her, for Sita is his favourite wife, and tells her to go to Lakshmana but he also rejects her.

After being rejected by both brothers, Surpanakha tries to attack Sita. Lakshmana intervenes and cuts her nose off and her story eventually leads to the epic Ramayana war and Ravana kidnapping Sita.

Renu Dhariwal’s interpretation of the role has been focused on the traditional and the dramatic, while Rakul Preet Singh’s seems to have been more eye-catching and glamorous, which brings a new meaning to the character in films. While there are mixed opinions around the “modern” touch, the character has definitely become one of the leading selling points of the trailer ahead of the movie’s release.