India’s most ambitious cinematic spectacle is headed for the big screen first — here is everything you need to know about Ramayana Part 1’s theatrical release, OTT status, cast, and what makes this the most anticipated Indian film in years.
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OTT Release Date: Not Confirmed Yet
Ramayana does not yet have a confirmed OTT platform or streaming date. The theatrical release comes first, and a licensed digital premiere is likely to be announced separately after the cinema window.
An OTT release date has not been announced yet. Given the film’s massive scale, the theatrical window is expected to be a minimum of 8–12 weeks before any streaming premiere.
The OTT rights situation, however, is one of the biggest stories surrounding the film’s business.
| OTT Details | Status |
|---|---|
| OTT Platform | Not Confirmed |
| OTT Release Date | Not Announced |
| Theatrical Window | Minimum 8–12 Weeks Expected |
| Digital Rights Deal | Under Negotiation |
| Rights Value Sought | ₹1,000 Crore (Reported) |
The OTT Rights Battle: ₹700 Crore Rejected
The Ramayana OTT deal is already making headlines months ahead of release, with reports suggesting that producer Namit Malhotra has declined a massive Rs 700 crore offer for the digital rights of the two-part epic.
It was said that “a Rs 1,000 crore deal from OTT players is being expected,” while a larger portion of revenue is planned to be recovered through theatrical and global markets.
The report also indicated that a staggered digital strategy could be adopted. There is a possibility that only Part 1 could be sold initially, with Part 2 being held back until after release, mirroring the strategy used by Dhurandhar: The Revenge.
Theatrical Release Date: Diwali 2026
Ramayana Part 1 is scheduled for Diwali 2026, followed by Ramayana Part 2 in Diwali 2027, with a worldwide IMAX rollout already in place.
Ramayana opens simultaneously in 37 countries on November 8, 2026, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, and many more.
| Release Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Theatrical Release Date | November 8, 2026 |
| Release Occasion | Diwali 2026 |
| Part 2 Release | Diwali 2027 |
| Format | IMAX Worldwide |
| Languages | Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam & International Dubs |
| Countries | 37 Simultaneously |
The Story
The story follows exiled prince Rama (Ranbir Kapoor) and his consort Sita (Sai Pallavi) through exile into catastrophe, as Sita’s abduction at the hands of Ravana (Yash) sets in motion an epic war between righteousness and evil. Part 1 is expected to culminate with the abduction itself, leaving the rescue campaign and the climactic battle for Part 2.
This film is expected to be the first in a trilogy, with Part 2 and Part 3 likely covering the war with Ravana and Ram’s return to Ayodhya.
Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram
Ranbir Kapoor answered a query about Ramayana during a Q&A session with director Nitesh Tiwari. Speaking about Lord Rama, he said, “Lord Ram has been the conscience keeper of billions of people around the globe for centuries.”
He further added, “He enlightens us about the triumph of the human spirit in terms of adversities. He stands for compassion, for courage, for righteousness and forgiveness.”
The Cast
The cast includes Ranbir Kapoor as Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, and Arun Govil, Ravi Dubey, Sheeba Chaddha in supporting roles.
Main Cast
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Ranbir Kapoor | Lord Ram |
| Sai Pallavi | Sita |
| Yash | Ravana |
| Sunny Deol | Hanuman |
| Ravi Dubey | Lakshman |
| Rakul Preet Singh | Surpanakha |
| Lara Dutta | Kaikeyi |
| Arun Govil | Supporting Role |
| Vivek Oberoi | Supporting Role |
| Kunal Kapoor | Supporting Role |
The Creative Team
Ramayana: Part One is the most ambitious Indian film ever mounted — a mythological epic directed by Nitesh Tiwari that brings the ancient Valmiki epic to the big screen with a scale never before attempted in Indian cinema. Produced by Namit Malhotra’s Monster Mind Creations and backed by a reported ₹450 crore production and distribution deal, the film has been the subject of intense industry and audience speculation since its announcement.
The two films together are budgeted at approximately $500 million.
Hans Zimmer is attached as music composer alongside A.R. Rahman, combining two of the most celebrated composers in global cinema — a first-of-its-kind collaboration.
Technical Crew
| Department | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Nitesh Tiwari |
| Writers | Nitesh Tiwari, Ravi Udyawar, Shridhar Raghavan |
| Producer | Namit Malhotra |
| Production | Prime Focus Studios / Monster Mind Creations |
| Music | A.R. Rahman & Hans Zimmer |
| Cinematography | Pankaj Kumar & Mahesh Limaye |
| VFX | DNEG (Oscar-winning studio) |
FAQs
What is the OTT release date of Ramayana Part 1?
The OTT release date for Ramayana Part 1 has not been officially confirmed. The film will first complete its theatrical run, with the streaming premiere expected at least 8–12 weeks after its Diwali 2026 theatrical release.
Which OTT platform will stream Ramayana?
No OTT platform has been officially confirmed for Ramayana. Digital rights negotiations are ongoing, with producer Namit Malhotra reportedly targeting a deal worth ₹1,000 crore.
When does Ramayana Part 1 release in theatres?
Ramayana Part 1 releases in theatres worldwide on November 8, 2026, as a Diwali 2026 release in IMAX across 37 countries simultaneously.
Who plays Lord Ram in Ramayana?
Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Ram in Ramayana, with Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana.
Will there be a Ramayana Part 2?
Yes. Ramayana Part 2 is scheduled for a Diwali 2027 theatrical release, with a possible third part also being discussed to complete the full epic narrative.
