Not Ranbir, Not Yash! Ramayana Fans Have Another Character They Can’t Stop Talking About

When people talk about Ramayana, two names naturally dominate the conversation: Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Rama, and Yash, who takes on the role of Ravana. With two of Indian cinema’s biggest stars appearing in one of the country’s most ambitious mythological projects, the excitement is understandable.

But there is another name adding a fresh layer of curiosity to the film: Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman.

The veteran Bollywood actor’s casting has been a talking point since it was revealed, and recent promotional activity has brought his character back into the spotlight. With the film’s first instalment approaching its reported November 5, 2026 theatrical release, audiences have another reason to look beyond the familiar Rama-versus-Ravana storyline.

Could Hanuman become one of the film’s most memorable characters? That is a question worth exploring.

Why Is Everyone Suddenly Talking About Hanuman?

For months, much of the attention surrounding Ramayana has focused on Ranbir Kapoor’s transformation into Lord Rama, Yash’s powerful screen presence as Ravana, and Sai Pallavi’s portrayal of Sita.

However, Hanuman occupies a very different place in the epic. He is not simply another character in Rama’s journey. His devotion, courage, strength and unwavering loyalty make him central to the story’s emotional and dramatic impact.

That is why Sunny Deol’s casting carries such high expectations.

Known for his powerful screen presence and energetic performances, Deol has spent decades playing characters who stand their ground against formidable opponents. His portrayal of Hanuman presents a different challenge: bringing that commanding presence to a deeply revered figure whose greatest strength is not just physical power, but devotion.

The casting raises an interesting question. Can an actor famous for explosive action performances bring the right combination of strength, humility and spiritual depth to one of the most beloved characters in Indian mythology?

That question alone gives audiences a new angle to discuss.

Sunny Deol’s Hanuman Reveal Has Added to the Curiosity

The makers have gradually introduced the film’s world and characters through promotional material. The absence of a prominent Hanuman reveal in the earlier full trailer even prompted questions from viewers about when Sunny Deol would appear.

In July 2026, India Today reported on fans asking where Hanuman was after the trailer introduced several other major characters. The question helped keep interest in Deol’s portrayal alive.

More recently, reports from the Hyderabad promotional event on October 19 brought fresh attention to Hanuman, with coverage highlighting the character’s first-look reveal and the makers’ broader plans for the franchise.

This is where the story becomes particularly interesting. Rather than simply introducing another star, the promotional strategy has given audiences a reason to wonder how much of Hanuman’s story the filmmakers intend to reveal before the film reaches theatres.

Will his appearance be a major dramatic moment? How will the filmmakers present his extraordinary abilities? And how much will the character contribute to the emotional journey of the first instalment?

Those details will become clearer as more official material emerges.

Could Hanuman Become a Scene-Stealer?

In a film featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, it might seem difficult for another character to attract comparable attention. Yet a memorable supporting character does not necessarily need the most screen time to leave a lasting impression.

Think about what makes Hanuman such a compelling figure. He combines extraordinary strength with selflessness. He can deliver moments of spectacular action while also representing faith, loyalty and emotional sincerity.

That combination gives the filmmakers several opportunities to create memorable scenes.

For Sunny Deol, the challenge will be balancing the character’s physical presence with the qualities that have made Hanuman meaningful to generations of audiences. A performance built only around strength would miss an important part of the character. The emotional connection matters just as much as the spectacle.

Of course, it is too early to say that Deol will steal the show. Audiences will have to see the finished film before judging the performance. But the character certainly has the ingredients for some of the story’s most anticipated moments.

And that makes Hanuman more than just another name on an already impressive cast list.

The Bigger Twist: Hanuman Could Have a Future Beyond Ramayana

There is another development that makes this story worth watching.

At the Hyderabad promotional event, producer Namit Malhotra discussed plans to expand the Ramayana universe beyond its two planned films. Reports have mentioned potential spin-offs centred on characters including Hanuman, Shurpanakha and Jatayu, alongside ideas involving games and theme parks.

For Hanuman, that possibility is especially intriguing.

A standalone story could explore aspects of his life and adventures that cannot receive the same attention within the main Rama-Ravana narrative. It could also introduce audiences to other episodes and characters associated with the wider epic tradition.

However, there is an important distinction: these are expansion plans, not confirmation that a separate Hanuman film is already in production with an announced release date.

Even so, the discussion suggests that the makers see potential in the epic’s wider cast of characters, rather than treating every role as part of a single storyline.

If the first film connects with audiences, Hanuman could become one of several characters whose stories receive greater attention in the future.

Ranbir, Yash or Sunny Deol: Who Will Leave the Biggest Impression?

The excitement surrounding Ramayana comes from the different expectations attached to its principal characters.

Ranbir Kapoor has the responsibility of portraying Rama, a figure associated with righteousness, duty and restraint. Yash must bring Ravana to life as a formidable antagonist with a complex place in the epic. Sunny Deol faces the challenge of portraying Hanuman, whose immense strength is inseparable from humility and devotion.

Each role demands something different from its actor.

That is precisely why comparisons are inevitable. Fans may have their favourite stars, but the characters will ultimately need to work together to make the story convincing.

Rather than asking whether Hanuman will overshadow Rama or Ravana, a more interesting question is whether all three performances can give audiences something distinct to remember.

After all, a great epic is rarely remembered for only one character.

Final Take: Hanuman May Be the Character to Watch

With Ramayana approaching its theatrical release, the spotlight remains firmly on Ranbir Kapoor and Yash. But Sunny Deol’s Hanuman has added another layer of anticipation, thanks to the character’s importance in the epic and the growing discussion around the film’s wider universe.

Whether he becomes the biggest audience favourite remains to be seen. What is clear is that Hanuman has the potential to deliver some of the story’s most emotionally powerful and visually striking moments.

For now, the real question is not whether Hanuman will beat Rama or Ravana in popularity. It is whether the film can do justice to all three characters while giving each one a memorable place in the story.

At Digital Dopamine, we look beyond the obvious headlines to explore the characters, debates and unexpected developments shaping entertainment conversations. And in a film as ambitious as Ramayana, sometimes the most interesting story is not just about the hero or the villain - it is about the character waiting for their moment in the spotlight.