A standalone Hanuman film is reportedly being developed alongside the two-part Ramayana epic, with Sunny Deol said to be in discussions to reprise his role in a larger, full-length story.
The world of Ramayana could extend beyond the central story of Lord Rama and his battle with Ravana. According to a report published by Mid-Day on October 25, 2026, the makers are exploring a standalone film centred on Lord Hanuman, with Sunny Deol reportedly being considered for a more prominent role. The proposed project would expand the mythology introduced in director Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic.
The reported development comes ahead of the worldwide theatrical release of Ramayana: Part 1 on November 5, 2026. Producer Namit Malhotra is said to be interested in building a connected cinematic world in which individual films explore different characters while remaining linked to the larger Ramayana narrative.
However, the Hanuman spin-off has not yet been formally announced with confirmed casting, a release date or a production schedule. Sunny Deol’s involvement should therefore be treated as reported discussions rather than a final casting decision.
Sunny Deol May Get a Full-Length Hanuman Story
Sunny Deol is set to portray Lord Hanuman in Ramayana, where the character is part of the larger story of Lord Rama. The reported spin-off could give Hanuman a much more substantial role, allowing the filmmakers to explore his journey beyond the events covered in the main films.
According to the source quoted by Mid-Day, Hanuman’s importance to the epic and the depth of his story provide material for a standalone film. The publication also reported that the team intends to begin filming the proposed project after Ramayana: Part 2 is completed.
Such a film could give the character a narrative arc of his own while preserving his connection to the larger mythology. The precise storyline, however, remains undisclosed. The makers have not confirmed which episodes from Hanuman’s life would form the focus of the proposed film or how it would connect to the two-part epic.
For Sunny Deol, the project could mean an expanded presence in the franchise if the reported discussions lead to a formal agreement. Until an official announcement is made, details about his role and the film’s scope remain unconfirmed.
Namit Malhotra’s Plan for a Connected Ramayana Universe
The reported spin-off fits into the broader possibility of expanding Ramayana beyond a single retelling of the epic. Rather than giving every major character only a supporting role in the central narrative, separate films could explore their individual journeys while maintaining continuity across the franchise.
A source quoted in the Mid-Day report described the approach as giving each film its own story while keeping it connected to the larger world. The same report suggested that Hanuman’s story could carry a standalone feature.
This approach would allow the filmmakers to explore characters whose histories and motivations may not receive extensive screen time in the main films. It could also create room for stories set in different periods of the epic, although the makers have not confirmed a slate of spin-off films or an official universe roadmap.
The idea is still at the reported development stage. No confirmed list of additional films, production dates or release windows has been announced for the proposed spin-off projects.
Ramayana Cast and Story: Who Plays the Key Characters?
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana is planned as a two-part cinematic adaptation of the Indian epic. Its principal cast includes Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravie Dubey as Lakshmana and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman.
The first instalment introduces the central characters and establishes the conflict that drives the epic. Hanuman’s role is closely connected to Rama’s journey, particularly the events surrounding Sita and the confrontation with Ravana. A separate film could potentially explore the character’s devotion, strength and other dimensions in greater depth, but its plot has not been revealed.
The franchise’s scale and its ensemble cast have already drawn attention ahead of the first film’s release. The proposed spin-off would be another major undertaking if it moves forward, requiring its own screenplay, production plan and creative direction. The makers have yet to disclose who would write or direct the standalone Hanuman film.
Mangal Rang Song Offers a New Look at Rama and Sita
Meanwhile, the makers have released Mangal Rang, a song from Ramayana: Part 1 featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Sai Pallavi as Sita. Released on October 25, 2026, the track focuses on the couple’s relationship through scenes depicting their wedding, palace life and journey into exile.
The song gives audiences another glimpse into the film’s visual interpretation of the epic, with expansive landscapes, elaborate palace settings and moments from Rama and Sita’s life together. It also highlights the emotional dimension of the story ahead of the theatrical release.
The music has been composed by A. R. Rahman, with the Hindi version featuring vocals by Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal and lyrics by Dr. Kumar Vishwas. Versions of the song have also been released in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.
The release of Mangal Rang adds to the promotional campaign for the first film, while the reported Hanuman spin-off points towards possible future expansion of the franchise.
Ramayana Release Date and What Happens Next
Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026, including an IMAX release. The film is planned for release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.
The second instalment is expected to continue the epic’s larger narrative, but the timing of the proposed Hanuman spin-off will depend on the production schedule and any formal decisions made by the filmmakers. The Mid-Day report says filming for the standalone project would begin after Ramayana: Part 2 is completed; it does not establish a confirmed start date.
For now, the possibility of a dedicated Hanuman film remains a reported development rather than an officially confirmed project. If the plans move forward and Sunny Deol’s involvement is finalised, the character could receive a much larger role in the expanding cinematic world of Ramayana.
FAQs
1. Are the makers planning a Hanuman spin-off in the Ramayana universe?
A Mid-Day report published on October 25, 2026, says the makers are working on a proposed standalone film centred on Lord Hanuman. An official announcement is still awaited.
2. Will Sunny Deol star in the Hanuman spin-off?
Sunny Deol has reportedly been approached for a larger role, but his casting in the proposed spin-off has not been officially confirmed.
3. When will the Hanuman spin-off begin filming?
The report suggests filming could begin after Ramayana: Part 2 is completed. No confirmed start date has been announced.
4. Who is directing Ramayana?
Nitesh Tiwari is directing the two-part Ramayana film series, produced by Namit Malhotra.
