The much-anticipated trailer of Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana has finally been unveiled, giving audiences a spectacular first look at Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana.
While the trailer has been widely praised for its visuals, scale and performances, one noticeable omission has become the biggest talking point among fans.
Despite showcasing several iconic moments from the epic-including Ram and Sita's wedding, their exile, Surpanakha's encounter with Ram, Sita's abduction and glimpses of the battle against Ravana-the four-minute trailer does not feature Sunny Deol's portrayal of Lord Hanuman.
Soon after the trailer's release, social media platforms were flooded with posts from fans asking the same question: "Where is Hanuman?"
Why is Hanuman missing?
The absence of Hanuman has triggered several theories among viewers.
Many fans believe the filmmakers have intentionally withheld Sunny Deol's first look to build anticipation ahead of the film's release. Others feel the decision follows the original narrative of the Ramayana, in which Hanuman enters the story only after Sita is abducted by Ravana.
Is Hanuman being saved for Part 2?
Another popular theory revolves around the film's two-part format. Director Nitesh Tiwari has already confirmed that Ramayana will be released in two installments.
Since Hanuman plays a much larger role in the latter part of the epic, many viewers believe the makers are planning a grand introduction for Sunny Deol in the second film. However, the production team has not officially explained why the character was omitted from the first trailer.
Fans share their reactions
The missing appearance of Hanuman prompted numerous reactions online.
"Is it just me, or is anyone else missing Hanuman ji in this Ramayana trailer?" wrote one user on X.
Another user posted, "So there is no Hanuman in Part 1 of #Ramayana? I didn't see even a clip of Hanuman in the Glimpse or trailer. Why are they hiding him? Are they planning to reveal him in Part 2?"
A third fan questioned, "How can they release the #Ramayana trailer without Hanuman Ji?"
Another viewer suggested, "A lot of people are asking where Hanuman is in the #Ramayana trailer. Since Part 1 will likely end with the abduction of Sita, Hanuman ji is expected to appear in the second part."
Another social media user wrote, "Watched the 4 min 10 sec #Ramayana trailer, but not a single shot of HANUMAN. I feel he may not have a major role in Part 1, so the makers decided not to reveal him yet. Or maybe they're saving his reveal for the second trailer, since the movie is still 3 months away. What do you think?"
About the film
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is a large-scale cinematic adaptation of the ancient Indian epic. The film features an ensemble cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol, Ravie Dubey, Rakul Preet Singh, Lara Dutta, Kajal Aggarwal, Vivek Oberoi and Arun Govil.
The music has been composed by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman.
Produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios, VFX powerhouse DNEG and Yash's Monster Mind Creations, Ramayana will be released in two parts. The first installment is scheduled to hit theatres during Diwali 2026, while the second part is slated for release during Diwali 2027.