Few films arrive with the weight of a billion people’s expectations. Ramayana: Part One does — and it’s leaning fully into that scale, with a reported budget approaching $100 million for its first half alone, a score co-composed by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman, and a cast stacked with some of Indian cinema’s biggest names. Here’s everything confirmed so far ahead of its Diwali release.
Overview
Ramayana: Part I is a 2026 Hindi-language mythological epic directed by Nitesh Tiwari (Dangal, Chhichhore), retelling the ancient Hindu epic across two parts. It stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Sai Pallavi as Sita, whose exile and Sita’s abduction by Ravana (Yash) ignite an epic war between righteousness and evil.
Basic Details
| Details | Info. |
|---|---|
| Genre | Epic, Mythology, Adventure, Action, Drama |
| Director | Nitesh Tiwari |
| Cast | Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol, Ravie Dubey, Arun Govil |
| Release Date | November 8, 2026 (Part I, 37 countries simultaneously); Part II follows Diwali 2027 |
| Where to Watch | Theatrical, worldwide IMAX rollout |
| IMDb Rating | Not yet available — unreleased |
| Expected Season | Two-part release; Part I in 2026, Part II in 2027 |
What We Know About the Plot
The story follows exiled prince Rama and his wife Sita through banishment and hardship, building to the moment that changes everything: Sita’s abduction by the demon king Ravana. That act sets in motion a legendary war between good and evil, with Hanuman (Sunny Deol) and Lakshman (Ravie Dubey) joining Rama’s side. Part I is expected to cover the epic’s earlier chapters — exile, love, and duty — setting up the larger battle in Part II.
Why You Should Be Excited
- Unprecedented scale. With a budget near ₹835 crore and a full IMAX shoot, it’s one of the most ambitious productions in Indian film history.
- A composer pairing you don’t see twice. Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman scoring together is a genuine event on its own.
- Ranbir Kapoor and Yash sharing the screen. Kapoor has spoken about playing Rama as the “conscience keeper” of billions, while Yash brings major star power as Ravana.
- Global, simultaneous release. Opening in 37 countries at once signals real confidence in international crossover appeal.
- A director with heart. Nitesh Tiwari’s prior work (Dangal) suggests emotional grounding beneath the spectacle.
Since the film hasn’t released, none of this is a verdict — trailers only began rolling out in late July 2026, and full reviews won’t exist until closer to November. Treat this as anticipation, not judgment.
Recommendations
While waiting for November, consider:
- Baahubali: The Beginning — For scale and mythic ambition in Indian filmmaking.
- RRR — Another large-scale spectacle blending history, myth, and star power.
- Adipurush (2023) — A recent, more divisive Ramayana adaptation.
- Kantara — For grounded Indian mythology-adjacent storytelling.
- Dangal — Tiwari’s earlier acclaimed work, for a sense of his voice.
Conclusion
Ramayana: Part I is shaping up to be one of the most significant Indian film releases in years — a massive bet on scale, star power, and one of humanity’s oldest stories. Whether it lives up to the hype won’t be clear until November 8, but the ambition alone makes it worth watching.