Ramayana Explained: The Story of Vidyutjihva and His Conflict With Ravana

Vivek Oberoi’s Ramayana Role Explained: Who Is Vidyutjihva?

The first trailer of Ramayana has generated buzz for its star-studded cast, with Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. However, one brief appearance that caught fans’ attention was Vivek Oberoi, who plays the lesser-known character Vidyutjihva.

Though he appears only for a few seconds, Vivek is almost unrecognisable beneath a thick beard, elaborate armour and headgear. His casting has sparked curiosity about Vidyutjihva, a character whose death plays a significant role in Ravana’s personal story.

Who Is Vidyutjihva?

In the Ramayana, Vidyutjihva is the husband of Shurpanakha, Ravana’s sister. According to several retellings of the epic, he is killed by Ravana during a military campaign, a tragedy that deeply affects Shurpanakha and adds another layer to Ravana’s complex character.

The glimpse of Vidyutjihva in the trailer has led fans to believe that director Nitesh Tiwari’s adaptation will delve deeper into Ravana’s backstory and explore characters who have traditionally received limited screen time.

Fans Spot Vivek Oberoi

Soon after the trailer’s release, social media users identified Vivek Oberoi in the role.

One fan wrote, “I completely missed that Vivek Oberoi is also in the movie. He’s playing Vidyutjihva.”

Another posted, “Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjihva, I suppose. Looking good.”

A Face-Off With Yash’s Ravana?

The trailer also appears to hint at a confrontation between Vidyutjihva and Yash’s Ravana. Although the sequence is brief, it has fuelled speculation that the film will expand on this lesser-known chapter of the epic, giving greater depth to Ravana’s relationships and motivations.

Vivek Oberoi Chose Not to Charge a Fee

Off-screen, Vivek Oberoi has also made headlines for revealing that he did not accept any remuneration for the film.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, the actor said he requested producer Namit Malhotra to donate the amount to support children battling cancer.

“I told Namit that I don’t want a penny for this. I want to donate it to a cause I believe in, which is kids with cancer. I wanted to support what he’s doing because I believe this film can take Indian cinema to the global stage.”

Vivek also shared the team’s approach to the project, saying they viewed the Ramayana as a historical story while bringing it to the big screen.

Ramayana Cast

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana features:

• Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama
• Sai Pallavi as Sita
• Yash as Ravana
• Sunny Deol as Hanuman
• Ravie Dubey as Lakshmana
• Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha
• Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjihva

The trailer suggests the film will not only retell the familiar story of Rama and Ravana but also shine a spotlight on lesser-known characters whose stories shaped the epic in significant ways.