Ramayana (Part One) 2026 — Release Date, Cast, Story & Cinema Booking Guide

What is Ramayana (Part One)?

 

 

Ramayana: Part One is the most ambitious Indian film ever mounted -- a mythological epic directed by Nitesh Tiwari (Dangal) 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 film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Yash (of KGF fame) as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Sunny Deol in a pivotal role as Hanuman. With Hans Zimmer attached as music composer alongside A.R. Rahman, the film combines two of the most celebrated composers in global cinema -- a first-of-its-kind collaboration. The first teaser dropped earlier this year and generated massive buzz across all platforms.

 

Originally slated for Diwali 2026 (November 7), reports now indicate the makers are considering advancing the release to October 30, 2026 -- a week before Diwali -- to allow the film to establish strong word-of-mouth before the festive period peaks. This strategic move would give Ramayana: Part One an extended opening window before its second part, which is expected on Diwali 2027.

 

 

Key Facts -- Ramayana (Part One)

 

Release Date: Expected October 30, 2026 (preponed from Diwali, November 7)  |  Director: Nitesh Tiwari  |  Producers: Namit Malhotra, Monster Mind Creations / Prime Focus Ltd.

 

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor (Lord Ram), Yash (Ravana), Sai Pallavi (Sita), Sunny Deol (Hanuman), with an ensemble supporting cast including Lara Dutta (Kaikeyi), and several other major names yet to be announced.

 

Language: Hindi  |  Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama (Epic Mythological)  |  Runtime: TBA  |  CBFC Rating: TBA

 

Format: IMAX, 4DX, and standard screens across all major chains (PVR, INOX, Cinepolis)

 

Part Two: Scheduled for Diwali 2027 -- completing the epic narrative

 

Why It's Worth Watching

 

This is not just another Bollywood release -- Ramayana: Part One represents a watershed moment for Indian cinema. Nitesh Tiwari, who previously directed Dangal -- one of India's highest-grossing films globally -- brings his characteristic emotional depth to the epic. The decision to cast Yash (the pan-India phenomenon from KGF) as Ravana was a masterstroke that immediately elevated the film's crossover appeal beyond traditional Hindi-speaking markets.

 

The teaser, which debuted earlier this year, showcased groundbreaking visual effects created by Prime Focus Studios (the Oscar-winning team behind Dune and Avatar: The Way of Water). Early reactions suggest the film's VFX will set a new benchmark for Indian mythological cinema, with aerial battle sequences, the depiction of Lanka, and the vanara sena (monkey army) being rendered at international standards.

 

What makes this adaptation unique is its scope. Part One covers Ram's early life, his marriage to Sita, the exile, Sita's abduction by Ravana, and the beginning of the war -- essentially the first half of the epic. The rumoured ₹450 crore distribution deal, if confirmed, would make it the most expensive Indian film ever produced, and the advance booking is expected to be record-breaking across PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis chains nationwide.

 

 

Where to Watch / Book Tickets in India

 

 

Ramayana: Part One will release in Hindi across all major cinema chains in India -- PVR, INOX, Cinepolis, and regional chains. Given the film's scale, it will be available in IMAX, 4DX, and standard formats. Fans should expect advance bookings to open 2-3 weeks before the release date, likely in early October 2026.

 

The film is expected to have the widest release in Indian cinema history, with shows across 5,000+ screens nationwide, including dubbed versions in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam given the pan-India appeal of its cast (Yash's massive fanbase in Karnataka alone guarantees unprecedented opening-day business in the South).

 

For international audiences, the film will release simultaneously in key markets including the US, UK, UAE, Canada, and Australia through major distributors.

 

 

FAQs

 

Q: When is Ramayana (Part One) releasing?
A: The film is expected to release on October 30, 2026, preponed from the original Diwali date of November 7, 2026. The official date is yet to be confirmed by the makers.

 

Q: Who is playing Ram in Ramayana 2026?
A: Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Ram. Yash (KGF) plays Ravana, Sai Pallavi plays Sita, and Sunny Deol plays Hanuman.

 

Q: Who is directing Ramayana 2026?
A: Nitesh Tiwari, best known for directing Dangal, is directing the two-part epic. He also co-wrote the screenplay.

 

Q: Will Ramayana be available on OTT after release?
A: 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.

 

Q: How can I save on movie tickets for Ramayana?
A: Book via magicpin to access the best offers on PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis tickets. magicpin members can save on every cinema booking -- check the latest deals before the release.

 

Before You Go... Check These Out!

 

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