The first glimpse of Ramayana: Part I has been unveiled, generating considerable buzz surrounding the film's visual effects and the casting of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Yash as Ravana. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film is slated for release in two parts, with the first installment expected to hit theaters during Diwali 2026.
The film boasts a massive budget of approximately ₹835 crore (USD 100 million), making it the most expensive Indian film ever made. This substantial investment reflects the ambition to create a visual spectacle that honors the epic tale. The visual effects are being crafted by DNEG, an eight-time Academy Award-winning VFX powerhouse. Namit Malhotra, who owns Prime Focus and is the CEO of DNEG, is producing the film. He envisioned bringing Ramayana to the big screen as early as 2015.
The cast includes Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Yash as Ravana, and Sai Pallavi as Sita. Sunny Deol will portray Lord Hanuman, while Ravi Dubey will play Lakshman. The film has also enlisted the talents of legendary composers Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman, who are collaborating on the score. Acclaimed stunt coordinators Terry Notary and Guy Norris will handle the action choreography, promising intense battle sequences.
The unveiling of the first look was celebrated with screenings across nine Indian cities and a presence at New York's Times Square, highlighting the project's global vision. The teaser introduces the cosmic trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva and sets the stage for the epic clash between Rama and Ravana.
Initial reactions to the first look have been largely positive, with many praising the VFX and comparing them favorably to those in Adipurush. The impressive CGI work and grand scale of the battle scenes have been commended. Some fans have expressed their admiration for Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Lord Ram and Yash's menacing look as Ravana. However, some viewers suggested that Yash would overshadow Ranbir and that the casting choices should have been reversed.
Namit Malhotra aims to present Ramayana with reverence and respect, utilizing cutting-edge visual storytelling. The film is being shot for IMAX, blending grand-scale storytelling with modern technology. Malhotra has expressed his desire to make the film feel local to people worldwide, using technology to localize it in various languages with performance lip sync.
Ramayana: Part I has wrapped up filming and is now in post-production. A video circulating online captured an emotional moment between Ranbir Kapoor and Ravi Dubey at the wrap party. The film is produced by Namit Malhotra and co-produced by Yash, under the banners of Prime Focus Studios and Monster Mind Creations. The release of Ramayana: Part I is slated for Diwali 2026, with Part 2 following in Diwali 2027.
