The Untold Ramayana Story of Vidyutjihva and His Bitter Conflict With Ravana

Ramayana: Who Is Vidyutjihva? The Character Played by Vivek Oberoi Explained

The first trailer of Ramayana has created immense excitement, thanks to its star-studded cast featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Among the many characters who briefly appear in the trailer, Vivek Oberoi’s intense, almost unrecognisable look has left fans asking one question: Who is Vidyutjihva?

Although not among the most widely known figures in the epic, Vidyutjihva plays an important role in several traditional retellings of the Ramayana, particularly in shaping the story of Shurpanakha and offering a deeper glimpse into Ravana’s personal life.

Who Was Vidyutjihva?

Vidyutjihva was the husband of Shurpanakha, Ravana’s sister. In several versions of the Ramayana, he is portrayed as a powerful Rakshasa ruler whose marriage to Shurpanakha was not approved by Ravana.

According to these retellings, Vidyutjihva is eventually killed by Ravana during a military campaign or political conflict. His death becomes a defining moment in Shurpanakha’s life, straining her relationship with her brother and adding another layer to Ravana’s complex personality beyond his role as the principal antagonist of the epic.

While Valmiki’s Ramayana gives limited attention to the character, later regional and literary adaptations expand his story, making him an important part of Ravana’s family history.

What the Trailer Hints At

Though Vivek Oberoi appears only briefly in the trailer, his battle-ready appearance has sparked speculation that director Nitesh Tiwari’s adaptation will explore lesser-known episodes of the epic instead of focusing solely on the central conflict between Rama and Ravana.

A few shots also appear to tease a confrontation between Vidyutjihva and Ravana, suggesting the film could delve into the internal conflicts within Lanka’s royal family and provide greater emotional depth to Ravana’s character.

Vivek Oberoi’s Transformation

Vivek Oberoi sports a rugged look with a thick beard, elaborate armour and distinctive headgear, making him nearly unrecognisable in the trailer. His appearance has received positive reactions from fans, many of whom praised the casting and expressed excitement about seeing an underexplored character brought to life on the big screen.

Vivek Oberoi Donated His Remuneration

Away from the screen, Vivek Oberoi also revealed that he chose not to accept a fee for his role in Ramayana. Instead, he requested that the amount be donated to support children undergoing cancer treatment.

The actor said he wanted to contribute to a cause close to his heart while backing a film he believes has the potential to showcase Indian storytelling on a global platform.

Star-Studded Cast

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana features an ensemble cast that includes:

• 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

With its emphasis on both iconic and lesser-known characters, Ramayana appears set to present a broader retelling of the ancient epic, exploring stories and relationships that have rarely received attention in mainstream cinematic adaptations.