Rishab Shetty's 'Jai Hanuman' to Launch in the Historic City of Hampi

The makers of Jai Hanuman, the sequel to the 2024 Telugu blockbuster Hanu-Man, have locked February 22 for a formal launch event in Hampi, Karnataka. The ceremony is expected to be mounted on a large scale, with preparations already underway in the historic temple town.

Actor Rishab Shetty, who rose to nationwide prominence with Kantara (2022), will play Lord Hanuman in the upcoming film. The project marks a significant casting shift for the franchise. The first installment starred Teja Sajja as a young man named Hanumanthu, who acquires powers from Lord Hanuman in order to protect his village. In Jai Hanuman, the narrative will move away from a mortal protagonist and centre directly on the mythological figure, indicating a more high-stakes storyline.

The film is directed by Prasanth Varma, who helmed Hanu-Man (2024) and has been developing what he describes as an interconnected superhero universe rooted in Indian mythology. Industry sources indicate that pre-production and scripting have been completed, with principal photography scheduled to begin in April 2026. Given the scale implied by the subject matter, the production is expected to rely heavily on visual effects and large-scale set pieces.

Actor Rana Daggubati has also been announced a key member of the cast, generating significant buzz, although details about his character remain under wraps. Sajja is expected to make a special appearance, maintaining continuity within the franchise and strengthening its cinematic universe ambitions.

The choice of Hampi as the launch venue carries symbolic and strategic value. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist destination, the location reinforces the film’s mythological positioning while amplifying promotional visibility.

Hanu-Man emerged as one of 2024’s surprise commercial successes, performing strongly across languages. With Jai Hanuman, the makers appear to be scaling up both story and reach, aiming to consolidate the franchise’s place in India’s increasingly popular devotional mythology genre.