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Ramayana: Part I is an upcoming Indian Hindi-language epic mythological film directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra for Prime Focus Studios (in partnership with Yash’s Monster Mind Creations)"Ramayana: Part I - Ranbir Kapoor and Ravi Dubey wrap up shoot for Nitesh Tiwari's film". NDTV. 2 July 2025.. It is the first of a planned two-part adaptation of the ancient Hindu epic the Ramayana. The screenplay is by Namit Malhotra and Shridhar Raghavan"Ramayana – Part : I Cast List". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 4 November 2025.. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman, with an ensemble supporting cast that includes Lara Dutta (Kaikeyi), Rakul Preet Singh (Surpanakha), Kajal Aggarwal (Mandodari), Arun Govil (Dasharath), Sheeba Chaddha (Manthara), Amitabh Bachchan, and Kunal Kapoor among othersEntertainment Desk (2 July 2025). "'Ramayana' first glimpse early review: Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash starrer 7-minute showreel will leave you 'awestruck'". Times of India.Entertainment Desk (23 July 2025). "Nitesh Tiwari spent 10 years on Ramayana pre-production, consulted Pandits and Vashisht Yoga Shastras for script authenticity". Times of India.. The musical score is composed by A. R. Rahman and Hans ZimmerBhattacharya, Tanisha (10 October 2025). "AR Rahman says his Ramayana co-composer Hans Zimmer was curious about Ramayan: "Who is this character?"". NDTV., marking the first collaboration between the two Oscar-winning composers. The film is being shot for IMAX exhibition and features extensive visual effects by Oscar-winning studio DNEG"Ramayana Unveiled". DNEG. 3 July 2025., reflecting its very large budget and global scope.

Development on Ramayana: Part I reportedly began around 2015, with Tiwari and producer Malhotra spending roughly a decade on research and script development (including consultations of ancient yogic scriptures for authenticity)Entertainment Desk (23 July 2025). "Nitesh Tiwari spent 10 years on Ramayana pre-production, consulted Pandits and Vashisht Yoga Shastras for script authenticity". Times of India.. Filming wrapped in mid-2025"Ramayana: Part I - Ranbir Kapoor and Ravi Dubey wrap up shoot for Nitesh Tiwari's film". NDTV. 2 July 2025... Trade analysts have predicted that Ramayana: Part I could gross as much as ₹1,000 crore in IndiaSeta, Fenil (2 January 2026). "Trade experts predict Ramayana, Dhurandhar 2, King, Love & War, Drishyam 3 can be BIGGEST hits of 2026: "Ramayana can collect Rs. 1000 cr in India…"". Bollywood Hungama., and the production has been promoted as “India’s biggest film” to dateMathur, Abhimanyu (3 July 2025). "Nitesh Tiwari gets emotional at Ramayana first glimpse launch; Namit Malhotra promises to 'do justice to the epic'". Hindustan Times.. In its marketing, the film’s producers have even showcased advanced AI-driven lip-synchronization technology to dub the movie into over 40 languages for a global audienceEntertainment Desk (24 October 2025). "Ramayana: Ranbir Kapoor and Yash's fans get glimpse of AI tech to be used to dub film for multi-lingual release". Times of India..

Ramayana: Part I is scheduled to be released on Diwali 2026 (November 2026)Entertainment Desk (4 July 2025). "Sai Pallavi pens a heartfelt note after Ramayana announcement: 'With the blessings of Maa Sita…'". Times of India., with Ramayana: Part II planned for Diwali 2027Entertainment Desk (4 July 2025). "Sai Pallavi pens a heartfelt note after Ramayana announcement: 'With the blessings of Maa Sita…'". Times of India.. Upon its announcement, the film was described as one of the most ambitious projects in recent Indian cinemaEntertainment Desk (4 July 2025). "Sai Pallavi pens a heartfelt note after Ramayana announcement: 'With the blessings of Maa Sita…'". Times of India.. The filmmakers have emphasized that, unlike previous big-screen adaptations (for example Adipurush (2023), which was widely criticized), they aim to “do justice” to the source materialMathur, Abhimanyu (3 July 2025). "Nitesh Tiwari gets emotional at Ramayana first glimpse launch; Namit Malhotra promises to 'do justice to the epic'". Hindustan Times.. Given its star cast, cutting-edge production (including Oscar-winning VFX) and ambitious global rollout, Ramayana: Part I is widely regarded as a landmark event in Indian cinema and one of the most highly anticipated films of 2026Entertainment Desk (4 July 2025). "Sai Pallavi pens a heartfelt note after Ramayana announcement: 'With the blessings of Maa Sita…'". Times of India.Mathur, Abhimanyu (3 July 2025). "Nitesh Tiwari gets emotional at Ramayana first glimpse launch; Namit Malhotra promises to 'do justice to the epic'". Hindustan Times..

Ramayana: Part I is a cinematic adaptation of the ancient Indian epic Ramayana attributed to sage Valmiki.^[3][4]

The film follows the early life of Prince Rama, the eldest son of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya, and Princess Sita of Mithila.^[5] It depicts Rama's training under sages, his marriage to Sita after breaking Shiva's bow in her swayamvara, and the subsequent palace intrigue leading to his 14-year exile.^[6]

Accompanied by Sita and his brother Lakshmana, Rama begins his forest exile.^[7] The narrative also explores the backstory of the demon king Ravana, whose actions set the stage for conflict.^[8]

Part One introduces key allies such as Hanuman and culminates with Sita's abduction by Ravana, establishing the central conflict for the sequel.^[9][10]

Ranbir Kapoor

Yash

Sai Pallavi

Lead cast members of film

As of December 2025, the above is the most widely reported and confirmed cast for Ramayana: Part One, primarily based on official teasers, actor confirmations, and reliable industry sources. Additional actors including Harman Baweja, Meghna Malik, and others have been credited for supporting or undisclosed roles. Some earlier reports (such as Anil Kapoor as King Janak, Vikrant Massey as Meghnad, Bobby Deol as Kumbhakarna, or Vijay Sethupathi as Vibhishana) remain unconfirmed or have been contradicted by later updates.

Ramayana: Part I draws its core narrative and thematic foundation from the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, attributed to the sage Valmiki, which chronicles the life of Prince Rama, his exile, the abduction of his wife Sita by the demon king Ravana, and the ensuing battle between good and evil.^[56] Director Nitesh Tiwari described the film as a tribute to Indian culture, emphasizing its role in evoking national pride and presenting India's heritage to a global audience. In an interview, Tiwari stated, "For me, it’s about the pride we should feel for the great culture we have in our country. If we can evoke that and show the world what we stand for, that would be an achievement—and that’s what I’m hoping to do with this."^[57] The adaptation aims to blend the epic's mythic storytelling with contemporary cinematic techniques, including state-of-the-art visual effects and IMAX filming, to make the story emotionally relatable while preserving its spiritual and philosophical essence.^[58]

The film's development involved extensive research to ensure cultural and philosophical authenticity. Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra spent over a decade in pre-production, beginning world-building efforts in 2015. They consulted Pandits (Hindu scholars) and drew from ancient texts such as the Vashisht Yoga Shastras, a collection of yogic and metaphysical writings, to inform the screenplay's thematic tone, character arcs, and narrative structure.^[59][60] This research aimed to root the film in traditional wisdom while adapting it for modern viewers, creating a balance between spiritual depth and visual grandeur.^[61] Malhotra, inspired by his work on Hollywood films like Dune and Oppenheimer, envisioned the project as a means to redefine global perceptions of India, moving away from portrayals of poverty and victimhood seen in films such as Slumdog Millionaire and Gandhi. He explained, "When I looked at the kind of Indian stories that had broken through internationally... most of them portrayed us as victims. We were poor and always less fortunate. I was like, 'no, that’s not who we are'. Ramayana became that story for me. How do I take this and present something that is the evolution of the planet, that’s the first civilisation in the world? That’s the greatest in the world."^[62]

Central themes in the film include virtue, higher ideals, and the triumph of righteousness (dharma) over evil, presented as universal values that transcend religious and cultural boundaries. Composer A. R. Rahman, who collaborated with Hans Zimmer on the score, highlighted the story's emphasis on moral integrity and personal elevation. Rahman noted, "The story is about how virtuous a person is, higher ideals, and all that stuff. People may argue, but I value all those good things—any good things that you can learn from." He further emphasized its broad appeal, stating, "The story like the Ramayana transcend religious boundaries and are based on universal values," and added, "I think we need to elevate from small-mindedness and selfishness. When we elevate, we become radiant, and that's very important." Rahman also pointed to the project's collaborative spirit as a symbol of unity, remarking, "Hans Zimmer is Jewish, I am Muslim, and the Ramayana is Hindu. It's coming from India to the whole world with love."^[63][64]

The film explores character complexity, particularly in its portrayal of Ravana, moving beyond traditional depictions of him as a one-dimensional villain. Producer Malhotra explained that the character is layered with intelligence, pride, and multifaceted motivations, stating, "The idea was to show that Ravana had many shades, why he was who he was." This approach aligns with broader themes of human nuance within mythological frameworks, as discussed in conversations involving spiritual leader Sadhguru, who questioned the casting of Yash as Ravana due to his handsome appearance but acknowledged the need for fresh interpretations.^[65] Sadhguru critiqued previous adaptations of the epic as "rudimentary," suggesting that Tiwari's version seeks to offer a more sophisticated and globally resonant retelling.^[66]

Tiwari has expressed a desire to excite international audiences about Indian storytelling, drawing inspiration from the epic's enduring cultural significance while incorporating advanced filmmaking techniques, such as an 86-camera setup reminiscent of Christopher Nolan's Interstellar for epic sequences.^[67][68] The project's global ambitions are further underscored by its collaboration with Hollywood talents like Zimmer and visual effects studio DNEG, aiming to position the film as a bridge between Indian mythology and worldwide cinema.^[69]

The original score and songs for Ramayana: Part One are composed by Academy Award-winning composers Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman, in their first collaboration.^[70][71][72] This marks Zimmer's debut in an Indian film production.^[73] The lyrics are written by renowned poet Kumar Vishwas.^[74][75]

Producer Namit Malhotra facilitated the collaboration, aiming to fuse Eastern and Western musical traditions for a globally appealing soundtrack.^[76] A. R. Rahman described the partnership as "beautiful," highlighting Zimmer's engagement with the epic's characters.^[77]

On 3 July 2025, Sony Music India released the promotional single "Ramayana (The Introduction Theme)" alongside the film's first glimpse teaser, receiving widespread acclaim for its epic and immersive blend of orchestral elements, Indian instrumentation, and choral vocals.^[78][79][80] The full soundtrack album is anticipated for release in 2026, preceding the film's Diwali theatrical premiere.^[81]

The marketing campaign for Ramayana: Part I was designed to position the film as a global cinematic event, emphasizing its roots in Indian mythology while appealing to international audiences through high-profile collaborations, advanced technology, and extensive promotional activities. The campaign highlighted the film's ambitious scale, including its visual effects by DNEG and ReDefine, IMAX filming, and a score composed by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman.^[84][85] With a reported global marketing budget of ₹1,300 crore (approximately $150 million) allocated across both parts of the film, the strategy aimed to rival Hollywood epics like Avatar and The Lord of the Rings by targeting diverse international markets.^[86]

The campaign officially commenced on November 6, 2024, with the release of the first poster and confirmation of the two-part structure: Ramayana: Part I scheduled for Diwali 2026 and Part II for Diwali 2027. This announcement generated early buzz by revealing key cast members, including Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana.^[87][88] In May 2025, the Central Board of Film Certification approved a title video, signaling the start of visual promotions.^[89]

Promotions intensified in July 2025 with the digital launch of the official logo on July 3, followed by a three-minute announcement video titled Ramayana: The Introduction. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the video showcased cosmic visuals, key character silhouettes, and the epic confrontation between Rama and Ravana, set to a stirring score by Zimmer and Rahman. This announcement video – a 3D IMAX “glimpse” of the film – was unveiled at special screenings in Mumbai and other cities.^[90] As well as, it was released across multiple platforms, emphasizing the film's global ambition and multilingual release in 45 languages, including English, Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin, utilizing AI lip-sync technology for seamless dubbing.^[91][92][93] The video's release coincided with a surge in Prime Focus Studios' stock value, reportedly generating over ₹1,000 crore in market capitalization gains, demonstrating the campaign's immediate financial impact.^[94]

On July 5, 2025, promotional posters featuring Kapoor and Yash illuminated billboards in New York City's Times Square, marking a high-visibility international push that went viral on social media and underscored the film's pan-global aspirations.^[95][96] This was followed by a motion poster on July 12, depicting an intense Rama-Ravana face-off with the tagline "Rama vs. Ravana. Mortal vs. Immortal. Light vs. Darkness," further building anticipation and confirming the Diwali 2026 release.^[97]

In December 2025, a new 3D promotional glimpse was attached to screenings of James Cameron's Avatar: Fire and Ash, released on December 19 in India and globally. This strategic placement leveraged Avatar's massive audience to introduce Ramayana's immersive visuals on the big screen, creating early awareness and positioning the film as a comparable visual spectacle ahead of its 2026 premiere.^{[98][99][100][101]}

As of January 2026, reports outlined an expansive promotional roadmap for the year, including a major trailer reveal at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2026, aimed at amplifying global hype. Industry experts predicted that these efforts, combined with the film's scale and innovative VFX, could lead to record-breaking box office performance, potentially making 2026 one of Indian cinema's most lucrative years.^{[102][103][104]} The campaign also included discussions at industry events like the WAVES Film Bazaar in November 2025, where director Tiwari highlighted the film's VFX ambitions to set a new global benchmark, further fueling anticipation.^[105]

Ramayana: Part One is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release during Diwali 2026, in standard, IMAX, and 3D formats, with the second part following on Diwali 2027.^{[106][107][108]} The film will be distributed in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam, targeting a pan-Indian and global audience.^[109] Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, the project is positioned as a major event film.^[110] Some sources report a specific date of 8 November 2026 in certain territories, aligning with post-Diwali festivities to maximize box office potential.^[111]

The decision to split the adaptation into two parts was announced in November 2024, allowing for a comprehensive retelling of the epic while managing the extensive visual effects workload.^[112] Malhotra emphasized the film's international appeal, with plans for dubbed versions in English and other languages to facilitate releases in North America, Europe, and Asia.^[113] The production team collaborated to optimize the film for large-format screenings, including IMAX, enhancing the epic's visual spectacle.^[114]