Ranveer Singh Set to Play Lord Shiva in Epic ‘Shiva Trilogy’ Adaptation

May 12, 2026 — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Indian film industry, Bollywood powerhouse Ranveer Singh is reportedly set to step into the divine shoes of Lord Shiva. The actor has officially acquired the cinematic rights to Amish Tripathi’s legendary bestseller, The Immortals of Meluha, with plans to develop it into a massive, high-budget film trilogy.

This development marks the end of a decade-long wait for fans of the “Shiva Trilogy.” For years, the rights to the books shifted between major production houses and A-list stars, but it is Ranveer Singh who has finally secured the project under his home banner, Maa Kasam Films, in a strategic partnership with Birla Studios.

A Dream Project in the Making

Reports suggest that Ranveer Singh has been a long-time admirer of Amish Tripathi’s work, which reimagines the Hindu deity as a mortal tribal leader who rises to become a legend. Sources close to the actor reveal that he has been “passionately pursuing” these rights for years.

“Ranveer has always been drawn to characters with immense depth and physical demand. Playing Shiva is not just a role for him; it’s a passion project. He wants to create a cinematic experience that rivals global fantasy franchises,” a source shared.

The project is being envisioned as a Long-term Cinematic Universe, with the first film, The Immortals of Meluha, focusing on Shiva’s arrival in the empire of Meluha and his transformation into the “Mahadev.”

Collaboration and Creative Vision

The scale of this trilogy is unprecedented. Ranveer Singh is collaborating with Ananya Birla and Birla Studios to ensure the production quality meets international standards. While Singh will headline the trilogy as the titular protagonist, the hunt for a director is still ongoing.

The makers are following a “script-first” approach:

• Current Phase: Intense screenplay development and world-building.
• Creative Input: Ranveer Singh and Ananya Birla are reportedly involved in the creative sessions to map out the entire three-film arc.
• Casting & Director: Discussions will only begin once the final draft of the first script is locked to ensure the vision remains cohesive.

The Road to 2028: Production Timeline

While the announcement has sparked immediate excitement, fans will have to wait a few years to see the first installment on the big screen. The production for the first film is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2028.

This timeline allows Ranveer Singh to clear his current, highly anticipated slate of films:

1. Pralay (August 2026): A high-octane zombie thriller directed by Jay Mehta.
2. Untitled Aditya Dhar Project (March 2027): Following the massive success of the Dhurandhar duology, Singh is reuniting with director Aditya Dhar for another action-packed feature.
3. The Immortals of Meluha (2028): Pre-production and physical training for the role of Shiva are expected to start in late 2027.

Milestone	Expected Year
Rights Acquisition & Scripting	2026
Director & Secondary Casting	2027
Principal Photography Begins	2028
Projected Release	2029/2030

Why Ranveer Singh?

The choice of Ranveer Singh has been met with both curiosity and acclaim. Known for his “chameleon-like” ability to transform his physique and energy—seen in roles like Padmaavat’s Alauddin Khilji and Bajirao Mastani’s Peshwa—Ranveer is widely considered one of the few actors capable of portraying the raw, tribal intensity of Amish’s Shiva.

In the books, Shiva is described as a rugged warrior with a penchant for dance, a fierce temper, and a deep sense of justice. Critics argue that Singh’s high-energy persona and dedication to method acting make him a perfect fit for this reimagined, mortal version of the deity.

The Legacy of the Books

First published in 2010, The Immortals of Meluha became a cultural phenomenon in India, selling millions of copies and sparking a renewed interest in mythological fiction. The story follows Shiva, a Tibetan immigrant, who reaches the kingdom of Meluha—a land governed by the near-perfect Suryavanshis. As he discovers the secret of the “Soma” drink and the threat of the Chandravanshis and Nagas, he realizes he is the prophesied savior of the land.

The upcoming trilogy aims to capture the rich philosophy and sprawling landscapes that Amish Tripathi meticulously detailed in his writing.

Looking Ahead

With the success of Indian mythological epics on the rise, the Meluha trilogy is poised to be a landmark in Indian cinema. By taking the reins as both producer and lead actor, Ranveer Singh is betting big on a franchise that could define his legacy for the next decade.

As the scripts are sharpened and the world of Meluha begins to take shape in pre-production, the industry remains poised for what could be the most ambitious Indian film project since Baahubali.