Jai Hanuman: Did Rishab Shetty replace Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman?

The recent announcement of National Award- Rishab Shetty coming on board as Lord Hanuman in Prasanth Varma's dream project Jai Hanuman thrilled everyone. While Varma hailed Shetty's unwavering commitment for essaying Lord Hanuman on screen, the Kantara seemed to be extremely excited to join the team. However, a recent report claims that Shetty replaced Bollywood actor Sunny Deol.

According to a report by DNA, after a few Telugu actors declined the offer, Varma approached Deol. Though the Gadar star liked the concept, he turned down the offer. 

DNA quoted a source as saying, "A few Telugu actors declined it. Prasanth Varma moved to Bollywood, approached a few actors and got to meet Bollywood hunk Sunny Deol. He (Deol) liked the socio-fantasy story and unique characterisation of Lord Hanuman landing in Kaliyug but he declined it. He told Varma that he had already agreed to play Lord Hanuman in the Hindi film ‘Ramayana’ featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi and didn’t want to do similar roles in different languages but wished Varma good luck.”

After Deol's denial, Varma continued his search and approached a few Tamil actors. Eventually, he zeroed in on Kannada star Rishab Shetty.

Also Read | Jai Hanuman: Rishab Shetty's unwavering commitment to essay Lord Hanuman promises 'unforgettable experience'

The source said, "Rishab has built his body and was looking muscular and fit. Actually, he toned down his body for ‘Kantara 2’ since it was a periodic tribal drama."

Shetty immediately agreed to play the larger-than-life role after listening to the concept.

"Most stars avoid essaying the divine role since it could dent their commercial star image but Rishab who is on a game for trying out something different, gave his nod," added the source.

Well, fans are already gushing over the first look of Rishab Shetty as Lord Hanuman in Jai Hanuman. Notably,  the film will be a pan-India project and will be made on a budget of over Rs 200 crore. As Mythri Movie Makers are bankrolling the highly-anticipated project, fans can expect a cinematic wonder.