Ramayana: Rise of Legend is just a day away from its release. While excitement around the film appears to be growing at advance booking counters, audiences are also eager to find out what the makers have included in the film and what they have kept for later. The biggest question on everyone's mind is whether Lord Hanuman will make an appearance.
Sunny Deol, who portrays Lord Hanuman in the film, recently started shooting for Part II. As per the film's structure, the Kishkindha Kand of Valmiki's Ramayana — the chapter in which Hanuman is introduced — has been reserved for the second instalment. This suggests that the first part is unlikely to feature Lord Hanuman. However, India Today Digital has learnt that the makers may have a small surprise for fans.
If you are keen to experience the film without knowing anything beforehand and have already booked tickets for the first-day, first-show screening, we recommend stopping here. However, if you are still deciding whether to watch it and don't mind a possible spoiler, read on. Consider this a warning for those curious about what lies ahead!
Many Indians grow up reading or watching the Ramayana. The epic is an important part of numerous Hindu households, and the story of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita continues to be one of the most enduring narratives about the victory of good over evil. It also explores justice and sacrifice, reminding us that even God, when taking human form, is not beyond suffering.
This is what makes Nitesh Tiwari's film more than just another grand cinematic spectacle. As the makers have repeatedly emphasised, Ramayana represents "our truth, our history."
That also places a tremendous responsibility on the team: to offer audiences a glimpse of the truth and history they have grown up with while giving them moments to celebrate. This is where Lord Hanuman becomes significant.
One of the most powerful figures in Hindu mythology, Lord Hanuman is also regarded by Hindu scriptures as one of the eight immortals, or Chiranjeevis. His presence carries immense significance, making the possibility of even a brief appearance in Ramayana particularly exciting for audiences.
Will we see Sunny Deol in Ramayana: Part I?
A source close to the production told India Today Digital, "People might be in for a surprise in Ramayana: Rise of Legend. The makers have quite successfully concealed the entire Hanuman appearance. While Deol's look might still not be completely unveiled, there could be a little something to really make audiences get up from their seats and start whistling and cheering."
The source also offered some clues about where this surprise might appear without revealing too much. The film will primarily focus on Rama and Sita's wedding, their journey into the forest alongside Lakshman, the rise of Ravana's rule and, ultimately, the abduction of Goddess Sita.
This makes it clear that the first instalment will not feature Hanuman's grand introduction as a full-fledged character portrayed by Deol. However, that does not necessarily mean viewers should expect no special appearance at all. They may simply have to wait patiently for the moment.
That's all we're saying.
Ramayana: Rise of Legend features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita. Yash plays Ravana, while the cast also includes Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, Arun Govil as Dashrath, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha, Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjeeva and Adinath Kothare as Bharat, among others.
The film is scheduled for a major Diwali release and will arrive in theatres worldwide on November 5.
