Cinematographer Nimish Ravi, who recently garnered praise for his work in Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, is stepping into an even more ambitious canvas with Jai Hanuman.
The upcoming fantasy epic stars Rishab Shetty in the titular role and is directed by Telugu filmmaker Prasanth Varma, best known for the blockbuster Hanu-Man.
A visually demanding leap into mythological spectacle
The film, which has already gone on floors, marks a significant addition to Nimish's growing filmography. Known for his textured visual storytelling and ability to balance scale with intimacy, Nimish now finds himself navigating the expansive demands of a mythological universe.
Taking to social media, the cinematographer offered a glimpse into the emotional and creative weight of the project, describing Jai Hanuman as a film "that asks for my all." He further reflected on the long road ahead, writing, "The end feels distant, almost blurred, but I believe in the magic it holds."
His words hint at the scale and complexity of the production, which is expected to blend visual effects, elaborate set pieces, and a strong mythological narrative. Given the rising appetite for Indian cinematic universes rooted in mythology and folklore, Jai Hanuman arrives at a time when audiences are increasingly receptive to such grand storytelling.
Director Prasanth Varma, who found nationwide success with Hanu-Man, is expanding that universe with this new chapter. While plot specifics remain under wraps, the film is positioned as a larger, more ambitious extension of the mythological world he previously introduced.
Rishab Shetty steps into divinity
At the centre of Jai Hanuman is Rishab Shetty, fresh off the phenomenal success of Kantara Chapter 1. The actor, who has built a reputation for immersive performances rooted in culture and spirituality, now takes on the formidable role of Lord Hanuman.
Sources indicate that Rishab is currently engaged in extensive look tests, fine-tuning the physicality and visual identity required for the character. He is expected to begin shooting in May, marking the next phase of the film's production. Given his transformative turn in Kantara, expectations are naturally high for how he will embody one of Indian mythology's most revered figures.
The film's technical team further underlines its scale. Music is composed by Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani, whose work on RRR brought global attention to Indian film music. Production design is handled by Srinagendhra Thangala, suggesting a richly detailed visual world that complements Nimish Ravi's cinematography.
Produced by Mythri Movie Makers in association with Rishab Shetty Films, Jai Hanuman is shaping up to be a major cross-industry collaboration, blending talent from Kannada, Telugu, and pan-Indian cinema.
For Nimish Ravi, this project represents a significant milestone. After making a striking debut with Lokah in 2019, he went on to work on films such as Kurup and Rorschach, steadily building a reputation for crafting visually compelling narratives. He has also been associated with Lucky Baskhar and the upcoming Suriya-starrer Vishwanath & Sons, indicating a career that is both diverse and upwardly mobile.
With Jai Hanuman, however, the stakes are notably higher. It is not just another film but a large-scale mythological spectacle that demands precision, imagination, and endurance.
As the film progresses through its early stages, Nimish's words linger as both a promise and a challenge. If the "magic" he speaks of translates onto the screen, Jai Hanuman could well emerge as one of the most visually arresting entries in India's evolving mythological cinema landscape.