The long-awaited adaptation of the Ramayana, one of India’s most revered epics, is finally taking shape as an ambitious two-part cinematic experience. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, this magnum opus is being helmed by Namit Malhotra, CEO of DNEG and Prime Focus.
The announcement, shared on Instagram, not only unveiled the release dates but also revealed a captivating poster, sparking anticipation among fans worldwide. The first part is slated for release in 2026, with the second following in 2027, both around Diwali, ensuring a grand festive launch.
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The Vision Behind Ramayana: A Decade in the Making
Namit Malhotra, who has been passionately involved in the project, expressed his excitement about bringing this cherished epic to the big screen. In a heartfelt post, he shared, “More than a decade ago, I embarked on a noble quest to bring this epic that has ruled billions of hearts for over 5000 years to the big screen.”
“And today, I am thrilled to see it taking shape beautifully as our teams work tirelessly with only one purpose: to present the most authentic, sacred, and visually stunning adaptation of our history, our truth, and our culture – our RAMAYANA—for people across the world.” The project is positioned as a tribute to India’s cultural heritage, aiming to deliver a faithful and awe-inspiring depiction of the timeless narrative.
Release Dates and Initial Poster Reveal
The release schedule for the two-part adaptation is set, with Ramayana Part 1 arriving in theaters in 2026, followed by Part 2 in 2027. Both releases are planned around Diwali, a time traditionally celebrated with grand cinematic releases in India. The official poster, shared by Malhotra, features a single arrow against a fiery backdrop, evoking the spiritual and combative themes central to the epic.
The striking visual gives fans a glimpse into the cinematic style that Tiwari and Malhotra aim to bring to the story. Malhotra invited fans to join the journey with a message: “Join us as we fulfill our dream of bringing our greatest epic to life with pride and reverence…Part 1 in Diwali 2026 and Part 2 in Diwali 2027. From our entire Ramayana Family.”
Star-Studded Cast Brings the Epic Characters to Life
In addition to the release announcement, details about the ensemble cast are also generating excitement. Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor will portray Lord Ram, while Sai Pallavi steps into the role of Sita, adding an element of freshness to the adaptation. Kannada superstar Yash has confirmed he will play the imposing role of Ravana, promising to bring intensity to the character.
Yash recently emphasized the collaborative effort required to make a project of this scale a reality: “If the character is treated like a character… if this doesn’t happen today, then the film won’t happen. To make a film with that kind of budget, you need those kind of actors to come together and work for the project. It has to be beyond yourself and your stardom. We have to place the project and the vision first.”
Other notable actors rounding out the cast include Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara. With such a powerful lineup, each actor is set to bring a distinct dimension to their character, adding depth to the retelling of the epic. Earlier this year, a leaked photo featuring Ranbir and Sai in their costumes circulated on social media, sparking further curiosity about their interpretations of Ram and Sita.
Bringing the Epic to Life: High Expectations and Global Appeal
The adaptation is not only a significant cinematic project but also an ambitious endeavor that aims to honor the original story. Nitesh Tiwari’s direction, coupled with Malhotra’s production vision, aspires to create a visual masterpiece that resonates with viewers worldwide. According to Malhotra, Ramayana will be “the most authentic, sacred, and visually stunning adaptation” of this ancient tale, combining modern filmmaking techniques with a profound respect for tradition.
The production will likely employ cutting-edge technology and special effects, given Malhotra’s experience with DNEG, which has delivered visuals for major Hollywood projects. This attention to detail ensures that the adaptation will offer not only emotional resonance but also a visual spectacle, aiming to transport audiences directly into the world of the Ramayana.
Anticipation Builds Among Fans and Industry Insiders
Since the announcement, excitement for the Ramayana adaptation has been steadily growing, with fans and critics alike eager to see how Tiwari and his team bring this cherished narrative to life. The decision to cast Ranbir, Sai Pallavi, and Yash in pivotal roles is already being met with positive feedback, as fans anticipate a fresh yet reverent portrayal of these iconic characters.
As production progresses, more details about the storyline, visual effects, and music are expected to emerge, giving fans an even closer look at what promises to be a groundbreaking cinematic experience. The two-part structure allows the filmmakers to delve deeper into the narrative, ensuring that each character’s journey and the epic’s emotional depth are fully explored.
With Ramayana Parts 1 and 2, Nitesh Tiwari and Namit Malhotra aim to create a cultural phenomenon that celebrates India’s rich storytelling heritage. Scheduled for Diwali releases in 2026 and 2027, the films promise to deliver an immersive, reverent adaptation of the Ramayana that respects both the source material and the global audience’s expectations. As anticipation builds, the world eagerly awaits the dawn of this cinematic epic, where storytelling, faith, and modern filmmaking converge to bring India’s most cherished tale to life.
When will Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana hit theaters?
Ramayana Part 1 is set for Diwali 2026, with Part 2 following in Diwali 2027.
Who are the main actors in Ramayana?
Ranbir Kapoor stars as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi plays Sita, and Yash takes on the role of Ravana.
What is unique about the Ramayana poster?
The poster shows a single arrow against a dramatic sky, hinting at the epic’s powerful themes.
What inspired the makers to create this adaptation?
Namit Malhotra envisioned a cinematic tribute to India’s culture, aiming for an authentic and visually stunning retelling of the Ramayana.
