Subedaar actor Faisal Malik joins Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana; completes first schedule as Kumbhakaran alongside Yash

Faisal Malik is cast as Kumbhakaran in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. Starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, the VFX epic features Zimmer/Rahman music. Part 1 arrives Diwali 2026, and Part 2 in 2027.

Faisal Malik/Instagram

Nitesh Tiwari's ambitious rendition of Ramayana has added a new character to its cast. There was some industry buzz that Bobby Deol will play Raavan's (Yash) younger brother Kumbhakaran, but those reports have since died down.

Who has officially stepped into the role of the formidable warrior?

As per a report in HT City, the current action-drama Subedaar and the Panchayat series actor Faisal Malik has now been officially cast as the formidable warrior. The project is now scheduled for a high-profile release this Diwali, and the actor has already wrapped up the first schedule of filming.

Production insiders claim that Malik is pivotal to Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra's ambitious visual extravaganza.

ALSO READ: Ranbir Kapoor begins filming for Ramayana 2 after Love & War schedule delay - All you need to know

What are the details behind the Avatar-style introductory scene?

"He joined Yash for the introductory Kumbhakaran scene at Prime Focus studio in Mumbai, shot with an international action crew. The sequences are heavy on graphics—similar to Avatar" a source revealed.

According to the source, Malik still has a lot of physically demanding work to do after his introduction is over. The main battle scenes, which will be the second installment, have not been shot yet. According to the insider, his stature and muscular build are ideal for the role.

Why is Faisal Malik currently staying silent on his casting?

When contacted for a remark, Malik declined to comment, continuing the Ramayana production team's strategy of keeping specific cast members unofficial.

The film has an A-list cast that hails from all around the Indian film industry. Lord Ram is played by Ranbir Kapoor, Sita by Sai Pallavi, and Raavan by Yash. Playing their respective roles, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, Arun Govil as Dashrath, Indira Krishnan as Kaushalya, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara, Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjiva, and Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari make up the ensemble.

Is Raghav Juyal also joining the ranks of the antagonist's family?

Furthermore, the studio has not confirmed Raghav Juyal's casting as Meghnath, Ravan's son, but he has been heavily linked to the part.

Recent problems have arisen in the film's marketing launch. On Ram Navami (March 27), supposedly, the Gateway of India in Mumbai was going to host a spectacular first-look event. However, they have decided to postpone their plans. The continuing turmoil in the Middle East is said to be the cause of the delay. The production house decided to take a more subtle approach to promotion during this era of global upheaval. The official character reveal images will stay hidden until a new date is announced.

Which legendary composers and writers are collaborating on Ramayana?

Tiwari and Shridhar Raghavan collaborated on the screenplay, and Prime Focus' Namit Malhotra is producing the film. Score composers Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman worked together for the first time on this project.

Part 1 is set to be released around Diwali 2026, and Part 2 in Diwali 2027, as the producers have reaffirmed their plan to release the film in two parts.

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