Ramayana has generated considerable interest among audiences, with Ranbir Kapoor leading the cast as Lord Ram. The ambitious project is being released in two parts, and viewers are already looking forward to the next chapter. However, an update shared by actor Satyen Chaturvedi has revealed that his character, Sumantra, did not make it into the final cut of the first film. Chaturvedi had been cast in the role, but all the scenes featuring his character were eventually removed during editing.
Satyen Chaturvedi confirms his character was removed
The actor shared the news through an Instagram post, explaining that not every scene filmed during a movie’s production necessarily becomes part of the final version. He described this as a normal part of an actor’s professional journey and said that his role in Ramayana had been edited out.
Chaturvedi was cast as Sumantra in the film, which is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra. Although the character was part of the original casting plans, audiences will not see his performance in the released version.
His post offered a glimpse into an aspect of filmmaking that viewers rarely get to see. A production may involve extensive shooting, but the editing process eventually determines which scenes contribute to the final story. Even an actor who has filmed several sequences may not appear in the finished film if the narrative is restructured.
Actor says he remains grateful for the experience
Despite losing his place in the final cut, Satyen Chaturvedi did not express disappointment in his Instagram message. Instead, he described being considered for a character from the Indian epic and getting an opportunity to work on a large-scale production as a memorable experience.
He also thanked casting director Mukesh Chhabra for giving him the opportunity to be part of the project. Chaturvedi said that although his scenes did not reach the screen, the memories and experience of working on the film would remain with him.
His message maintained a positive tone, focusing on the opportunity rather than the removal of his character. Being associated with a major production such as Ramayana, he suggested, was valuable in itself.
Who is Sumantra in the Ramayana?
Sumantra is a significant figure in the traditional account of the Ramayana. He serves in the court of King Dasharatha in Ayodhya and is counted among the king’s principal ministers. In the epic, he is also associated with the royal household and plays a role in important events surrounding Lord Ram’s exile.
His character is therefore connected to the political and personal world of Ayodhya. Although Chaturvedi’s portrayal has been removed from the first film, the character remains an established part of the original epic.
The decision to remove a role from a film does not necessarily indicate a problem with the actor’s performance. Editing choices can be influenced by the film’s length, storytelling structure and the director’s final vision.
Ramayana crosses ₹100 crore in two days
Meanwhile, the film has made a strong start at the domestic box office. According to the reported figures, Ramayana collected more than ₹100 crore in India within its first two days in cinemas. The film has also received positive reactions on social media, with viewers discussing its visual effects and performances.
The cast includes Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Ravi Dubey, Lara Dutta, Arun Govil and Sheeba Chaddha. Ranbir plays Lord Ram, while Yash appears as Ravana. Sai Pallavi portrays Sita, and Ravi Dubey plays Lakshman.
Another notable feature is the Hanuman Chalisa sequence, which is heard in the voice of Diljit Dosanjh. The film’s music has been composed by Oscar-winning composers A. R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer.
Ramayana Part 2 is scheduled for 2028
The first instalment has now introduced audiences to the film’s version of the epic, while the second part is expected to take the story forward. However, viewers will have to wait until 2028 for its scheduled release.
With the next chapter still some time away, attention remains on the first film’s reception and the creative choices behind its final edit. Chaturvedi’s post has also highlighted how a character can be part of a film’s production journey without appearing in the theatrical release