‘Ramayana’: Sunny Deol’s Lord Hanuman FIRST Look Teased, Namit Malhotra Confirms Expansive Cinematic Universe Plans
Sunny Deol's first look as Lord Hanuman from Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana: Part 1' was teased at a Hyderabad event. Producer Namit Malhotra announced ambitious plans for a multi-project 'Ramayana' cinematic universe, including spin-offs like Hanuman and Surpanakha, plus games and theme parks.
Bollywood is buzzing with monumental news as the first glimpse of Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman from Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated film, Ramayana: Part 1, was officially teased. The grand reveal, which took place at a pre-release event in Hyderabad on October 19, 2026, has ignited immense excitement among fans eagerly awaiting the epic's release. ‘Ramayana’ Advance Booking: Ranbir Kapoor-Yash Movie Crosses USD 500K in North America Pre-Sales Ahead of Grand Diwali Premiere.
Beyond the captivating visuals, producer Namit Malhotra has confirmed extensive plans to transform the 'Ramayana' saga into a sprawling cinematic universe, drawing parallels to global franchises like Marvel and Star Wars.
Sunny Deol's First Look from ‘Ramayana’as Hanuman Teased
The anticipation surrounding Nitesh Tiwari's cinematic adaptation of the ancient Indian epic reached a fever pitch with the unveiling of Sunny Deol's formidable look as Lord Hanuman. While specific details of the look remain under wraps, reports from the Hyderabad event on October 19, 2026, indicate a powerful and fitting portrayal of the revered deity, hinting at the film's grand scale and authentic vision. This tease has become a major talking point ahead of the film's global premiere.
Sunny Deol's First Look as Hanuman from ‘Ramayana’ Viral
Helmed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana: Part 1 boasts an impressive ensemble cast.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Ranbir Kapoor | Lord Rama |
| Sai Pallavi | Sita |
| Yash | Ravana |
| Sunny Deol | Lord Hanuman |
| Ravi Dubey | Lakshman |
| Amitabh Bachchan | Jatayu |
| Arun Govil | King Dasharatha |
| Lara Dutta | Queen Kaikeyi |
| Indira Krishna | Queen Kaushalya |
| Sheeba Chaddha | Manthara |
| Vivek Oberoi | Vidyutjiva |
| Kajal Aggarwal | Mandodari |
| Rakul Preet Singh | Shurpanakha |
| Kunal Kapoor | Indra |
| Adinath Kothare | Bharat |
| Shishir Sharma | Vasishtha |
| Ajinkya Deo | Vishwamitra |
| Shobana | Kaikasi |
| Mohit Raina | Shiva |
| Faisal Malik | Kumbhakarna |
| Suhail Nayyar | Sugriva |
| Kiara Sadh | Little Sita |
Namit Malhotra's ‘Ramayana’ Universe Plans
Producer Namit Malhotra, associated with Prime Focus Studios and DNEG, articulated his ambitious vision to expand the Ramayana narrative far beyond the two planned feature films. Malhotra revealed that the team has outlined approximately five spin-off projects, which could manifest as either films or series, focusing on compelling characters from the epic. Teased spin-off projects include stories centred on:
- Hanuman
- Surpanakha
- Jatayu
- Indrajit
- Angad
Malhotra emphasised that the goal is to embark on a continuous journey rather than stop after one or two movies, aiming for a broader Ramayana universe that could encompass video games, theme parks, and even Broadway adaptations. This announcement underscores a strategic effort to establish a comprehensive entertainment franchise, marking a significant step for Indian cinema on the global stage.
'Ramayana: Part 1' Set for November 5 Worldwide Release
Ramayana: Part 1 is poised for a grand worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026, just ahead of Diwali. The film will be distributed globally by Sony Pictures Entertainment and released across all premium formats. Music for the epic has been composed by a stellar team including AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer.
Before its widespread release, an exclusive 3D world premiere is scheduled for October 27, 2026, at the David Geffen Theatre inside the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. This invite-only event will host Hollywood personalities, international filmmakers, and global media, with attendees encouraged to wear traditional Indian attire. Advance bookings for the film opened on Dussehra, October 20, 2026, across India, signalling immense anticipation for this epic cinematic journey. ‘Ramayana’: ‘Rocking Star’ Yash Brings Raavan to the Fore at Trailer Launch in Bengaluru.
Ramayana: Part 1 is reported to have a massive budget of INR 4,000 crore, combined with its upcoming second part, which is slated for a Diwali 2027 release.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 21, 2026 05:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).