3 minutes of readingNew DelhiUpdated: February 8, 2026 06:31 pm IST
Vikrant Massey has set the record straight about his involvement in the much talked about Nitesh Tiwari case. Ramayana. Addressing reports claiming that he had been replaced by Raghav Juyal in the ambitious mythological epic, the actor clarified that he was never associated with the project in any way.
Vikrant Massey sets the record straight on Ramayana
Taking to Instagram Stories, Vikrant Massey wrote, “Okay. To put an end to the rumours. I was never a part of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayan. The many media portals reporting about my supposed ‘replacement’ should have done the necessary background check. Disappointing. However, I wish everyone the best in being a part of the film. Love.”
(Vikrant Massey/Instagram)
The speculation started from a Variety Report Indicating Raghav Juyal’s Casting as Meghanadalso known as Indrajit, the eldest son of Ravana, in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. According to the report, Raghav will be seen in Ramayana: Part 2, which is scheduled to release in Diwali 2027. It further stated that Vikrant Massey was initially considered for the role, but the casting did not materialise. The makers later approached Raghav, who agreed to join. He is expected to begin filming after he recovers from an injury.
Ramayana choral cast
Ramayana has an extensive cast with Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Ram, while Yash essays the role of Ravana. Sai Pallavi plays Goddess Sita, Sunny Deol appears as Lord Hanuman and Ravi Dubey plays Lakshman. The supporting cast includes Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Vivek Oberoi as Vibishana, Arun Govil as King Dashrath, Indira Krishnan as Queen Kaushalya, Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara, Adinath Kothare as Bharat, among others.
Ramayana will cost around Rs 4,000 crore
Currently in production, Ramayana is being touted as the most expensive Indian film ever made. Producer Namit Malhotra has previously revealed that the two-part saga will cost nearly Rs 4,000 crore for when both films are finished.
Speaking to Prakhar Gupta, Malhotra explained: “When we set out to make it six or seven years ago, people thought I was a lunatic. No Indian film comes close to this scale. Simply put, both films together will cost about $500 million.”
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He added that despite the astonishing budgetthe team remains financially disciplined. “We’re making the biggest movie in the world for the biggest story, the biggest epic that the world should see. And I still think we’re doing it responsibly. We’re making a bigger movie at a lower cost compared to some of the biggest Hollywood productions,” he said.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in association with Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, the two-part live-action epic is set to release its first installment during this year’s Diwali weekend. The second part is expected to hit theaters on Diwali 2027.