Chetan Hansraj to Portray Seven Characters in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana
Actor Chetan Hansraj has confirmed that he will portray seven distinct roles in director Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming cinematic adaptation of Ramayana. Among these parts is Raja Mali, the maternal grandfather of Ravana, along with six characters brought to life through motion-capture technology.
What Happened
In an interview with Hindustan Times, the 54-year-old actor detailed his extensive involvement in the two-part epic. After finishing filming for the role of Raja Mali, Hansraj was offered six additional motion-capture parts. These roles include a demon and one of Ravana’s brothers. Hansraj reflected positively on sharing screen space with actor Yash, who portrays Ravana, noting that their scenes together complement each other well.
Addressing public discussions and comparisons to Ramanand Sagar’s classic television series, Hansraj highlighted the production scale of the project. He pointed to the involvement of action directors from Bollywood and Hollywood, as well as technicians such as Terry Notary, stating that the project is designed to deliver a modern theatrical experience.
Key Highlights
- Chetan Hansraj plays seven roles in the film, comprising one live-action character and six motion-capture parts.
- His primary confirmed role is Raja Mali, the maternal grandfather of Ravana.
- His motion-capture roles include a demon and a brother of Ravana.
- The ensemble cast includes Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman.
- The film is helmed by Dangal director Nitesh Tiwari, produced by Namit Malhotra, and features music by A R Rahman and Hans Zimmer.
Why This Matters
The casting choice highlights the film’s reliance on extensive visual effects and motion-capture technology to depict mythological characters. With the inclusion of international technical crew such as Terry Notary, the production demonstrates an effort to bring major technological resources to the cinematic retelling of the epic.
What to Watch Next
The first installment of the two-part saga is scheduled to release in international markets on November 6, 2026, followed by its release in India on November 8, 2026, coinciding with Diwali. The second part is planned to arrive in theatres during Diwali 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which characters does Chetan Hansraj play in Ramayana?
Chetan Hansraj portrays Raja Mali, the maternal grandfather of Ravana, alongside six motion-capture characters that include a demon and one of Ravana’s brothers.
Who is directing and composing music for Ramayana?
The film is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, with the musical score composed by A R Rahman and Hans Zimmer.
What are the release dates for the Ramayana films?
The first part will release internationally on November 6, 2026, and in India on November 8, 2026. The second part is scheduled for release during Diwali 2027.
Source: Hindustan Times, Bollywood Hungama.