The first look of director Nitesh Tiwari's highly anticipated cinematic epic Ramayana Part 1 was officially unveiled on July 30, igniting immense enthusiasm among moviegoers and fans across the globe. While the grand teaser offered a glimpse into several central mythological figures, eagle-eyed viewers quickly spotted popular television and film actor Chetan Hansraj in a dramatic sequence. Following intense speculation online, the actor himself confirmed on social media that he is an integral part of this magnum opus, portraying a vital mythological character.
Chetan Hansraj Shares Film Still on Instagram
On Thursday, a day after the trailer release, Chetan Hansraj took to his official Instagram handle to upload a screengrab featuring his character from the teaser. In the brief scene, Chetan is seen blowing a traditional Ransingha war bugle, signaling the dramatic onset of a grand battle sequence. Alongside the image, the actor expressed his pride and gratitude for being associated with the project.
In his Instagram post, Chetan Hansraj shared his thoughts on joining the production, writing,
"I feel extremely honored to be part of this journey taking our 'Ramayana' from India to the whole world."He emphasized that working on the project carries a profound cultural responsibility, marking the beginning of the era of Ram. He tagged producer Namit Malhotra and director Nitesh Tiwari in his announcement while mentioning the official release timeline. Fans responded to his post with congratulatory messages, expressing excitement to see his performance on the big screen.
Portraying Sumali, the Maternal Grandfather of Ravana
In Ramayana Part 1, Chetan Hansraj plays the crucial role of Sumali, the maternal grandfather of Lanka king Ravana. Within Hindu mythology, Sumali is remembered as a prominent figure whose actions laid the foundation for the demon lineage and strengthened the geopolitical power of Lanka before Ravana's reign.
Chetan Hansraj's portrayal is expected to add historical depth to the background of Lanka and its royal dynasty. His transformation in the teaser, complete with period costuming and warrior attire, is so distinct that many viewers failed to recognize him at first glance. Known for playing menacing antagonist roles on television, this project marks a significant cinematic endeavor in his career.
A Stellar Ensemble Cast Led by Nitesh Tiwari
Nitesh Tiwari's retelling brings together some of the biggest talents from both Bollywood and South Indian cinema. Ranbir Kapoor headlines the film in the role of Lord Ram, while Sai Pallavi plays Mata Sita. Meanwhile, Kannada film star Yash appears as the formidable ruler of Lanka, Ravana.
The supporting ensemble features Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, Lara Dutta as Queen Kaikeyi, Arun Govil as King Dasharatha, Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman.
Two-Part Release Scheduled for Diwali 2026 and 2027
The makers have planned to release this epic saga in two installments. The first chapter, Ramayana Part 1, is slated to hit theaters worldwide on the occasion of Diwali 2026. The second installment, Ramayana Part 2, will follow a year later with a global theatrical release during Diwali 2027.
