Kajal Aggarwal’s Mandodari Look Draws Praise in Ramayana Part 1 – See Photos

Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part 1 opened in theatres on November 5, and now one of its quieter characters is getting a lot of attention online. Kajal Aggarwal, who plays Mandodari, the queen of Lanka and wife of Ravana (Yash), has shared a set of photos of her look from the film, and fans can’t stop talking about it.

The pictures show Kajal in two royal looks, each built around a statement crown and layers of heavy traditional jewellery. She looks every bit the composed, dignified queen many people picture when they think of Mandodari.

Kajal Aggarwal’s Mandodari Look: The Photos

In the first look, a tall filigree gold crown and a maang tikka frame her face, paired with a red-and-gold draped costume, a heavy gold necklace, chandelier earrings and ornate armlets. The full-length shot from the set shows how much detail went into the costume, right down to the embroidered drape and waist belt.

The second look is even more striking. Kajal wears a deep red velvet outfit with a towering gold crown set with ruby drops, a heavy gold choker, a nath (nose ring) and a cascading waist chain finished with emerald drops. Red roses tucked behind the crown and a red veil soften the regal styling.

“My Role May Be Small”: Kajal’s Emotional Note

Kajal didn’t pretend her part was bigger than it is. In her post, she openly acknowledged that Mandodari has limited screen time in Part 1, but said that being part of a story so deeply tied to Indian culture and faith meant a great deal to her.

She thanked producer Namit Malhotra and director Nitesh Tiwari for thinking of her for the role, calling the film a pioneering step for Indian cinema on the global stage. She also gave a warm shout-out to her co-stars Rakul Preet Singh, Vivek Oberoi and Adinath Kothare, along with her styling, costume and assistant direction teams.

Some associations are truly bigger than the role itself.

Why Fans Are Praising Kajal’s Mandodari Look

Even with brief screen time, audience reactions and social media posts have focused on how well Kajal fits the part. Many fans felt her grace and calm presence suit Mandodari, who is traditionally seen as wise and righteous, and several said they hope to see much more of her in the second instalment.

Who Is Mandodari in the Ramayana?

Mandodari is Ravana’s queen consort in the Ramayana, described in the epic as beautiful, pious and righteous. In many versions of the story she advises Ravana to return Sita and avoid war with Rama, which makes her one of the epic’s most morally interesting figures, even though she is often overlooked.

That is also why fans expect her role to grow. The Lanka chapters and the war that follows belong mostly to Part 2, which the film’s ending sets up.

Ramayana Cast Members Share BTS Moments

Kajal’s post came right after several of her co-stars shared their own behind-the-scenes moments from the film:

• Rakul Preet Singh, who plays Surpanakha, revealed her look took around four hours to prepare each day.
• Vivek Oberoi, who plays Vidyutjihva, posted a thank-you note to the team.
• Kunal Kapoor, who plays Lord Indra, urged audiences to watch the film on the biggest screen possible.

Ramayana Part 1: Cast and Release Details

For the full character list, see our Ramayana Part 1 cast guide. You can also track how the film is doing in our Ramayana box office collection report, or find out who plays young Ravana and why Sharad Kelkar dubbed Yash’s Ravana.

Will Mandodari Have a Bigger Role in Ramayana Part 2?

The makers haven’t confirmed how much screen time Kajal will get in Ramayana: Part 2. But the story itself points that way: Mandodari’s most memorable moments in the epic come during the build-up to the war and after it. If the film stays true to the source, Part 2, slated for Diwali 2028, should give her far more to do. The post-credit scene already hints at where the story goes next.

Mandodari’s beauty is a famous detail of the epic itself. In the Sundara Kanda of Valmiki’s Ramayana, when Hanuman first searches Ravana’s palace for Sita, he briefly mistakes the sleeping Mandodari for her, before realising Sita would never be found resting in Ravana’s palace.

FAQs

Who plays Mandodari in Ramayana Part 1?

Kajal Aggarwal plays Mandodari, the wife of Ravana, who is played by Yash.

Is Kajal Aggarwal’s role in Ramayana small?

Yes. Kajal herself acknowledged that her role in Part 1 is brief, but said being part of the film was deeply meaningful to her.

When will Ramayana Part 2 release?

Ramayana Part 2 is slated for release on Diwali 2028.

Who directed Ramayana Part 1?

Ramayana Part 1 is directed by Nitesh Tiwari, known for Dangal and Chhichhore.