The much-anticipated trailer of Ranbir Kapoor starrer Ramayana was released recently, giving fans a glimpse into Nitesh Tiwari’s version of the mythological saga. Fans already knew that the film would
star Ranbir as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Arun Govil as Dashratha, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. However, actors like Vivek Oberoi, Adinath Kothare and Faisal Malik have also piqued fans’ interest.
So, what are their roles in Ramayana?
Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjihva
Vidyutjihva originated from Lanka and was a demon prince. He was married to Shurpanakha, making him Ravana’s brother-in-law. In Nitesh Tiwari’s film, Vivek has been cast opposite Rakul Preet Singh’s Shurpanakha. An encounter with Vidyutjihva becomes a turning point in Ravana’s story, though details about Vivek’s screen time and involvement in the film have been kept under wraps.
Harish Uthaman as Vibhishana
Harish plays Ravana’s younger brother, Vibhishana, who was among the wisest men in Lanka. Unlike his brother, Vibhishana was peace-loving and believed in righteousness and honesty. He was married to Sarama and was a skilled warrior and strategist who later switched sides to join Rama’s army. He also had great knowledge of the scriptures and believed in fair governance.
Faisal Malik as Kumbhakarna
Kumbhakarna was also Ravana’s brother, but he was cursed by Lord Brahma to stay asleep for half the year. He was gigantic and had the strength of 10,000 elephants. Ravana used Kumbhakarna as an asset at a crucial time in his war against Rama. Faisal Malik is most popularly known for playing the role of Prahladcha (or chacha) ‘Prahlad’ Pandey in the Amazon Prime Video series Panchayat, and was recently seen in Anil Kapoor starrer Subedaar.
Mukesh Tiwari as Agastya
Sage Agastya welcomed Rama, Sita and Lakshman into his hermitage during their ‘vanvaas’ and protected them from demons in the forest. He recognised Rama’s divinity and gave him an indestructible golden bow, an unlimited quiver of arrows and a sword crafted by his twin brother, Sage Vishwakarma.
Shishir Sharma as Vashishtha
Sage Vashishtha was the chief priest of the Ikshvaku dynasty who guided Dashrath in performing the sacrifice that led to the births of Rama, Lakshman, Shatrughna and Bharata. He also aided Rama in fulfilling his divine destiny, and when he was away on ‘vanvaas’, Vashishtha helped Bharata to govern the kingdom to the best of his ability.
Adinath Kothare as Bharata
Bharata was Dashratha and Kaikeyi’s son, and he was married to Sita’s sister Mandavi. Although he was born a prince, he had no desire to become a ruler. However, fate had other plans, and he became Dashrath’s heir in Rama’s absence for 14 years upon Kaikeyi’s demand. Adinath Kothare predominantly works in the Marathi industry and is known for films like Paani and Chandramukhi.
Nitish Sharma as Shatrughna
Shatrughna was Rama’s youngest brother. He was Dashrath and Sumitra’s son and Lakshman’s twin brother. He is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra. He had an inseparable bond with Bharata and a strong sense of justice. Nitish Sharma was previously seen in Pyaar Paisa Profit on Amazon Prime Video.
