Alia Bhatt and Suriya is film Ramayana is back in the spotlight with Vishnu Manchu’s unique take

Alia Bhatt and Suriya is film Ramayana has stirred renewed excitement in the world of Indian cinema with actor Vishnu Manchu revealing his dream cast and untold plans for a mythological epic based on the perspective of Ravana. As Indian mythology takes center stage in films once again, this fresh idea is turning heads for its ambition and star-studded imagination.

Vishnu Manchu, currently riding high with his work on Kannappa, has long nurtured a vision for a Ramayana adaptation like no other. Unlike traditional versions that primarily glorify the journey of Lord Rama, Manchu’s story unfolds through the eyes of Ravana — from birth to his final moment. While this dream project couldn’t take off due to budget constraints, the passion and planning behind it still shine.

Alia Bhatt and Suriya is film Ramayana Was Planned from Ravana’s Perspective

He revealed in a recent chat that he always saw Tamil superstar Suriya as Lord Rama. Known for his calm, poised screen presence and powerful performances, Suriya seems a natural fit for the role. Meanwhile, Alia Bhatt was his top choice for Sita, admired for her grace, acting depth, and pan-India appeal. Together, their pairing adds freshness and gravitas to this reimagined tale.

But that’s not all Vishnu’s casting choices run deeper into the mythology. His father, veteran actor Mohan Babu, was chosen to play Ravana, giving the project a strong emotional and familial touch. As per Manchu’s plan, he would play Hanuman himself, though director Raghavendra Rao had different ideas suggesting him instead for the role of Indrajit. In an interesting twist, Vishnu proposed that Karthi, Suriya’s real-life brother, take on the role of Indrajit instead. He even mentioned Kalyan Ram, cousin of Jr NTR, for Lakshman, and senior actor Sathyaraj as Jatayu.

This casting lineup alone sets the tone for a mythological epic rooted in deep character arcs, with a unique human and emotional perspective. The script, complete with dialogues, has been ready since 2009 which is when Vishnu originally approached Suriya. However, despite his passion, he couldn’t pull the project through at the time due to scale and cost issues.

The Cast of Alia Bhatt and Suriya is Film Ramayana Was Finalised in 2009

The timing of this revelation is significant. Director Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana starring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi has already ignited public interest, especially after its first look grabbed attention across platforms. The Hindi version includes Yash as Ravana, Ranbir as Rama, and Sai Pallavi as Sita along with Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. While it’s among the most awaited films of 2026, Vishnu’s version feels like an equally compelling alternate take that fans are now hoping to see someday.

The renewed buzz around mythological films also speaks volumes about audience tastes shifting towards rooted Indian stories with strong emotion, cultural depth, and iconic characters. With films like Adipurush failing to leave a mark due to storytelling issues, filmmakers are now treading carefully with more sincerity and authenticity. Vishnu’s Ramayana aims exactly for that to offer a more intimate, layered view of Ravana’s journey, something rarely done on screen.

The idea of Suriya stepping into the divine shoes of Rama is bound to generate strong reactions, especially from fans in the South, where he enjoys unmatched stardom. Alia Bhatt, with her growing presence in pan-India cinema, only strengthens the film’s reach and potential. Their pairing is something that hasn’t been explored yet and could strike the perfect balance between star power and freshness.

In an industry often dominated by remakes and franchises, Manchu’s version of Ramayana stands out for its originality. Even though it’s still just a dream on paper, the strength of the casting, ready script, and his emotional attachment to the story keeps hope alive. Also Read: 5 Bold Revelations by Kalki Koechlin That Sparked Conversations in Bollywood

Conclusion:
While it’s uncertain if Vishnu Manchu’s Ramayana with Alia Bhatt and Suriya will ever reach the big screen, the idea alone has sparked curiosity and conversation. With mythology making a grand comeback in Indian cinema, this version remains one of the most intriguing possibilities waiting to unfold.