Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is not just a movie—it’s a movement. After the disappointment of Adipurush, audiences have been waiting for a faithful and grand retelling of the Ramayana, and this upcoming two-part live-action film promises to deliver exactly that. With a dream team of stars, legendary music composers, and global-scale VFX, this project is shaping up to be the most ambitious adaptation of the epic ever made.
A Massive Vision Backed by Talent and Technology
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari (of Dangal and Chhichhore fame), this version of Ramayana is being produced by Namit Malhotra of Prime Focus Studios and co-produced by Yash (yes, the KGF star!). The film is being made on an estimated budget of ₹800–₹835 crore, making it one of the most expensive Indian films in history.
Split into two parts, the release is timed for Diwali:
- Part 1: November 8, 2026
- Part 2: Diwali 2027
This epic will be released in multiple Indian languages, along with IMAX formats, ensuring it reaches the widest possible audience—both in India and across the world.
Star-Studded Cast Brings the Epic to Life
The casting choices are already generating massive buzz:
- Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama (and also Parashurama – a double role!)
- Sai Pallavi as Sita
- Yash as Ravana (Lankesh), marking his Hindi film debut
- Sunny Deol as Hanuman
- Ravi Dubey as Lakshman
Other actors like Rakul Preet Singh, Lara Dutta, Vivek Oberoi, Arun Govil, and Kajal Aggarwal are also rumored to be part of the ensemble, although their roles haven’t been officially confirmed.
A Truly Grand Retelling of Ramayana
This isn’t a modern reimagining or a flashy commercial spin. Ramayana will stay true to its 5,000-year-old roots, focusing on the story of Rama’s exile, Sita’s abduction, and the epic war against Ravana. But what sets it apart is the emotional depth and cinematic scale it promises.
The visual effects are being handled by Prime Focus and DNEG, the same team behind Hollywood blockbusters like Dune. Expect photo-realistic environments, authentic battle sequences, and breathtaking visuals built for the IMAX screen.
The Music – A First-Time Collaboration to Remember
In a historic move, the film brings together A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer for the first time. This East-meets-West musical partnership is expected to create a soundscape that honors Indian tradition while appealing to global audiences.
Production Highlights
- Filming started in early 2024 and is expected to wrap over a 350-day schedule, with both parts shot back-to-back.
- A three-minute official preview was released on July 3, 2025, earning rave reviews for its visuals and tone.
- The digital logo is out, and while the teaser is ready, the makers plan to release it closer to Diwali 2026 to build excitement.
Why Fans Are Hopeful (Especially After Adipurush)
After the critical and public backlash faced by Adipurush, many are cautiously optimistic about Tiwari’s Ramayana. Here’s a quick comparison that shows why:
| Aspect | Tiwari’s Ramayana | Adipurush |
|---|---|---|
| Visuals | Rich, authentic, immersive | Weak, cartoonish CGI |
| Direction | Sensitive, emotionally grounded | Over-stylized, inconsistent |
| Cast | Fresh, respected actors | Mixed reviews |
| Music | Rahman + Zimmer combo | Standard Bollywood tracks |
| Tone | Culturally respectful | Overly commercialized |
| Public Sentiment | Highly positive so far | Largely negative and disappointed |
Many fans have already said that Tiwari’s glimpse feels leagues ahead of Adipurush, and the early reactions speak volumes.
Cultural and Industry Impact
This film isn’t just entertainment—it’s also about restoring cultural pride. The Ramayana holds deep emotional and spiritual meaning for millions of Indians, and this version aims to respect that legacy while presenting it with world-class filmmaking.
If successful, it could pave the way for more mythology-based films done right—combining reverence with cinematic excellence.
Final Thoughts
Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is not just a film. It’s a cultural event in the making. With a powerful cast, visionary direction, next-level VFX, and music that promises to stay with you long after the credits roll, this project is setting the benchmark for Indian mythological cinema.
If the makers deliver on their promise, we could be witnessing the birth of India’s first truly global cinematic epic.
The movie will release in theatres and will also release on Ott (Netflix) probably.
Read more about Ramayana and other movies, series here.
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