Actor Sunny Deol is set to make a powerful entry into Ramayana: Part 1, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, though his screen time in the first instalment will be brief.
Scheduled for a grand Diwali 2026 release, the film adapts the revered ancient text by sage Valmiki, with Deol portraying the mighty Lord Hanuman. His character, however, will take centre stage in the sequel, Ramayana: Part 2, which is slated to hit screens during Diwali 2027.
According to sources close to India Today, Sunny Deol will appear in the final act of Part 1, with approximately 15 minutes of screen time.
His entry marks a significant moment in the narrative—Hanuman’s pledge to aid Lord Rama (played by Ranbir Kapoor) and Laxman (Ravi Dubey) in their mission to rescue Goddess Sita (Sai Pallavi) from the formidable demon king Ravana, portrayed by Yash.
The plot prepares the audience for Sunny Deol's more dramatic and emotionally charged performance in the second section, which centres on the fabled conflict between Rama and Ravana.
But he will play a larger part in the second part, which is scheduled for release on Diwali 2027. His role will be portrayed when the main plot revolves around the conflict between Rama and Ravana.
A three-minute VFX-heavy teaser for the movie, which debuted on the famous screens of Times Square in New York and nine major Indian cities, recently revealed the official title. The occasion emphasised the project's global goals, which include reintroducing the classic epic to audiences around the world through captivating narrative and breathtaking imagery.
Ramayana promises an epic experience thanks to its outstanding technical crew. The soundtrack was written by musical greats Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman, guaranteeing a fusion of Indian culture and international orchestration. Renowned stunt experts Terry Notary and Guy Norris, who have worked on Hollywood blockbusters, will choreograph action scenes.
The movie, which is supported by Prime Focus Studios and Monster Mind Creations, was co-produced by Yash and produced by Namit Malhotra. The Oscar-winning DNEG is handling the visual effects, promising cutting-edge images that complement the grandeur of the narrative.
Key roles in this mythological tale are portrayed by Kajal Aggarwal, Vijay Sethupathi, Rakul Preet Singh, Vivek Oberoi, Arun Govil, and Lara Dutta, who make up the ensemble cast.
Ramayana is looking to be one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema, especially with such a strong cast.