The wider picture
Ramayana marks the second big-budget adaptation of Valmiki’s epic in Indian cinema this decade, following Om Raut’s Adipurush (2023). The film, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, has generated significant buzz as it prepares to unveil its teaser on April 2, 2026, in Los Angeles. This event is expected to draw considerable attention, given the film’s ambitious scale and the star-studded cast.
Ranbir Kapoor takes on the pivotal role of Lord Rama, a character he initially hesitated to portray due to self-doubt regarding his ability to embody such a revered figure. However, after the birth of his daughter, Kapoor found a renewed sense of responsibility that ultimately led him to accept the role. He remarked, “Lord Rama has been the conscience keeper of billions of people around the globe for centuries and long after,” highlighting the significance of the character.
The film also features Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, adding to the ensemble cast that aims to bring this timeless tale to life. The combined production budget for Ramayana is reported to be ₹4000 crore, positioning it as one of the most expensive films in Indian cinema history.
Music for the film is composed by renowned artists AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer, promising a score that complements the epic narrative. The film is being compared to global cinematic milestones such as The Lord of the Rings and Avatar, indicating the high expectations surrounding its release.
Ramayana will be released in two parts, with Part One scheduled for October 2026 and Part Two for October 2027. This staggered release strategy aims to build anticipation and allow audiences to fully immerse themselves in the story. The teaser will be screened at an exclusive event in Los Angeles before its public release, further amplifying interest.
Chris Gore, a film critic, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “It’s amazing. It’s like India’s Lord of the Rings.” Such comparisons underscore the film’s potential impact on both Indian and global cinema.
As the teaser release date approaches, observers are keen to see how the film’s marketing will unfold and how audiences will respond to this ambitious retelling of a classic tale. The anticipation is palpable, with many eager to witness how Ranbir Kapoor and the team will bring the epic Ramayana to the big screen.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding additional promotional activities leading up to the teaser launch, but the excitement surrounding this project continues to grow, setting the stage for what could be a landmark moment in Indian filmmaking.
