14 August,2026 06:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Chetan Hansraj and Ranbir Kapoor (Pictures via X)
Chetan Hansraj has revealed that his role in Nitesh Tiwari's much-awaited Ramayana is far more extensive than audiences may have expected. The actor, who is part of the ensemble cast led by Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi, has been signed to portray seven different characters in the ambitious mythological epic.
Hansraj was initially brought on board to play Raja Mali, the maternal grandfather of Ravana. The character holds significance in the story, and the actor has described his scenes with Yash, who plays Ravana, as particularly exciting. According to Hansraj, the two characters complement each other and his experience working with Yash was memorable.
However, his association with the film did not end after completing his primary role. Once his work as Raja Mali was wrapped, Hansraj was offered six additional motion-capture characters. Among them are one of Ravana's brothers and a demon, allowing the actor to take on multiple identities within the film's vast world.
The revelation highlights the scale of Ramayana, which is being mounted as a large-format cinematic experience. Hansraj also spoke about the extensive preparation involved in creating the characters. He recalled spending around three hours in makeup every day, followed by another hour to remove it. His multiple motion-capture roles required him to work beyond his principal character.
The actor also defended the film's visual effects amid criticism of the trailer. While the preview has received mixed reactions, particularly over its VFX and character styling, Hansraj urged audiences to experience the film on the big screen rather than judging its visuals through mobile phones or smaller screens.
According to him, the film has been designed specifically for a theatrical and IMAX experience, with filmmakers and technicians working towards delivering a large-scale spectacle. He also praised the action team, which includes talent from both Hollywood and Bollywood, as well as actor and stunt coordinator Terry Notary.
The trailer has sparked a divided response among viewers, with some questioning its visual effects while others have praised its ambitious scale and cast. Producer Namit Malhotra has similarly argued that the film's visuals should be judged in a proper theatrical setting. The project has reportedly been mounted on a budget of around Rs 4,000 crore, further raising expectations around its scale.
With Hansraj playing seven parts, Ramayana continues to reveal the enormous effort behind its production, adding another layer of intrigue to one of the most anticipated Indian films.
