Ramayana: Raghav Juyal steps into Meghanad’s armour, replaces Vikrant Massey?

Nitesh Tiwari and Namit Malhotra’s ambitious retelling of Ramayana is steadily evolving into one of the most monumental projects in Indian cinema history. Mounted on a grand scale, the film brings together an impressive ensemble led by Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sunny Deol, Sai Pallavi, and Ravi Dubey. Yet, it’s not just the leads- every supporting character seems carefully chosen to add weight to the mythological spectacle.

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A Surprise Casting Shake-Up

Fresh buzz now surrounds the casting of Meghanad. According to an exclusive report by Variety India, Raghav Juyal has joined the cast of Ramayana, stepping in to replace Vikrant Massey for the pivotal role. The development has sparked curiosity, given the character’s immense significance in the epic.

Meghanad: Lanka’s Fiercest Warrior 

Juyal is set to portray Meghanad, also known as Indrajit- the formidable eldest son of Demon King Ravana and the crown prince of Lanka. His arc is expected to take center stage in Ramayana Part 2, currently slated for a Diwali 2027 release.

In the epic lore, Meghanad is revered as one of the mightiest warriors of the Ramayana war- an almost invincible force who could fight from the skies while concealed behind clouds. Legends even credit him as the only warrior to defeat both Lord Rama and Lakshman twice before ultimately falling to Lakshman in battle.

From Dance Floors to Dramatic Heights

Raghav Juyal’s journey to this mythological battlefield is nothing short of inspiring. Rising to fame through reality shows like DID and Dance Plus, he gradually carved a niche for himself in acting. His recent performances in Kill and the thriller series Gyaarah Gyaarah, along with his appearance in Aryan Khan’s Ba***ds of Bollywood, showcased a darker, more intense side of his talent- earning him industry attention.

A Career-Defining Opportunity

The shift from Vikrant Massey to Juyal reportedly happened after plans with the former didn’t materialize. Juyal was soon approached and quickly agreed to come onboard. He is expected to begin filming once he fully recovers from an injury. If confirmed, this casting could mark the biggest leap of his career yet.

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Release Timeline and First Look

The makers are gearing up for a festive rollout. The first installment of Ramayana is scheduled for a theatrical release this Diwali, while the second chapter will arrive during Diwali 2027. Additionally, a grand first look is rumored to be unveiled on Ram Navami, March 27, 2026, at a large-scale event in Mumbai, although official confirmation is still awaited.