Suriya, Alia Bhatt, Mahesh Babu: Vishnu Manchu Chooses Cast For His Version Of Ramayana, Reveals Why It’s On Hold
Kannappa actor Vishnu Manchu is making headlines following a major revelation about his next film, Ramayana. After Nitesh Tiwari’s version of Ramayanawhich is currently under production, Vishnu revealed that he too has a script based on the epic — one that focuses on the life of Ravana. The project was expected to feature an ensemble cast including Suriya, Alia Bhatt, and Mahesh Babu in lead roles. However, due to financial and budget disagreements, the film is currently on hold.
Vishnu Manchu to direct another version of Ramayana
In a recent conversation with Nayandeep Rakshit on his YouTube channel, the Kannappa actor Vishnu Manchu has revealed that he too night make a film on Ramayana but from Ravana’s point of view and also has the script ready. He explained, “The only person who immediately appears in my mind for the role of Lord Rama is actor Suriya. I have the script and dialogues ready for it, but I don’t know if I will ever be able to make it.”
For other characters in the film, he said, “Raghavendra sir didn’t want me to play Hanuman. He wanted me to play Indrajeet. But, I would probably want Suriya’s brother Karthi to play Indrajeet. The character of Lakshman is very soft, I would probably cast Jr NTR’s older brother Kalyan Ram. For Jatayu, I would cast Sathyaraj sir. The Katappa from Baahubali.”
Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios and VFX studio DNEG in association with Yash’s Monster Mind Creations; Ramayana is being filmed for IMAX and will release worldwide: Part 1 in Diwali 2026 and Part 2 in Diwali 2027. The film will star Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. As per Bollywood hungama’s report, the budget of Ramayana parts one and two combined is Rs 1600 crore. According to the latest development, the film has already earned Rs 1,000 crore after the first look’s release.