In a recent interaction, filmmaker Ashwin Kumar revealed his long-cherished ambition to bring the epic tale of Hiranyakashyap to the big screen, and named two South Indian powerhouses—Rana Daggubati and Vijay Sethupathi—as his ideal choices to portray the iconic mythological villain.
“Hiranyakashyap is not just a demon king; he is a symbol of ego, power, and defiance against divinity. To portray such layered complexity, you need actors with gravitas and depth. Rana Daggubati and Vijay Sethupathi come to mind instantly,” said Ashwin.

Kumar, known for his visual storytelling and nuanced narratives, explained that both actors bring unique qualities to the role. “Rana has the physicality and a commanding screen presence. We’ve already seen what he did with Bhallaladeva in Baahubali. Meanwhile, Vijay Sethupathi can internalize emotions with subtle intensity—he brings a cerebral menace that’s perfect for the philosophical layers of Hiranyakashyap’s character.”
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While the project is still in the scripting stage, the director confirmed that he is in early talks with production houses and hopes to finalize the cast by mid-2026. “This won’t be a regular retelling. It’s going to be visually grand but emotionally rooted. The father-son conflict between Hiranyakashyap and Prahlad will be central,” he added.
When asked whether the actors have been approached, Ashwin remained tight-lipped but hinted at “positive vibes” and “early interest.”
Fans of mythological dramas and epic sagas are already excited at the prospect of seeing either of the versatile stars step into the legendary role. If all goes according to plan, Ashwin Kumar’s Hiranyakashyap could be the next big mytho-spectacle from Indian cinema.
Stay tuned for more updates as this project unfolds.