Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios and eight-time Academy Award®-winning VFX studio DNEG, in association with Yash's Monster Mind Creations, Ramayana: Part One is set for a worldwide theatrical release on Diwali 2026. The film will be distributed globally by Sony Pictures, while Dharma Productions will handle distribution across North India.
On July 30, 2026, the makers of Namit Malhotra's Ramayana: Part One unveiled the film's much-awaited official trailer, generating excitement among fans and audiences around the world. Released in the early hours of July 30, the trailer launched simultaneously in five Indian languages—Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam.
From visionary producer and filmmaker Namit Malhotra comes Ramayana: Part One, the first installment of an ambitious two-part cinematic event inspired by one of the world's oldest and most enduring epics.
Since the dawn of time, the Trinity Gods have governed the three worlds: Brahma, the creator; Vishnu, the protector; and Shiva, the transformer. As the balance between heaven and earth begins to collapse into chaos, Vishnu descends to Earth in human form to restore order.
This time, Vishnu is reborn as Rama, portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor, a human prince destined to restore harmony. Standing against him is the mighty Ravana, played by Yash—a formidable, learned, undefeated, and immortal demon king blessed by the Trinity themselves and driven by immense pride and a desire for vengeance capable of shaking the very fabric of the cosmos.
Unaware that he alone is destined to oppose Ravana in a divinely orchestrated confrontation, Rama embodies Dharma—placing duty above all else. As the beloved crown prince of Ayodhya, one of the greatest human kingdoms of its time, Rama dreams of a peaceful life alongside his devoted wife Sita (Sai Pallavi), loyal brother Lakshmana (Ravie Dubey), and those closest to him.
However, fate intervenes, forcing him into exile and setting him on a path toward an inevitable confrontation with Ravana—a battle so monumental that it will determine the destiny of both gods and mortals.
The film reunites acclaimed filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari with an extraordinary ensemble cast spanning generations of Indian cinema.
Arun Govil, whose iconic portrayal of Lord Rama in television history remains deeply cherished by audiences across India and around the world, returns in Namit Malhotra's Ramayana as King Dasharath, father of Rama. Joining him are legendary actress Shobana as Kaikesi, Ajinkya Deo as Sage Vishwamitra, Kunal Kapoor as Lord Indra, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshmana.
Leading the ensemble are superstar Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, one of the most revered and beloved figures in Indian culture whose ideals have inspired generations; Sai Pallavi as Maa Sita, portraying one of history's most respected women with grace, compassion, and strength; and pan-India superstar Rocking Star Yash as the mighty Ravana, one of mythology's most powerful and complex antagonists. Yash also serves as co-producer through his production banner, Monster Mind Creations.
Adapted by award-winning screenwriter Shridhar Raghavan, Ramayana brings together an exceptional collaboration between Indian and international creative talent in what is being described as one of cinema's most ambitious East-West partnerships.
The production design recreates ancient India on an unprecedented scale under the leadership of Ravi Bansal and Ramsey Avery, while Hollywood action directors Terry Notary and Guy Norris helm the film's action sequences.
Namit Malhotra's Ramayana features an original musical score composed by Academy Award® winners Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman.
The project reflects producer Namit Malhotra's vision of bringing together India's finest storytellers, artists, technicians, and craftspeople alongside globally acclaimed filmmaking talent to present one of humanity's oldest stories with a level of authenticity, scale, and cinematic ambition never attempted before.
Namit Malhotra, Producer and Creative Architect of Ramayana, said:
"The Ramayana is one of our greatest epics. It is woven into how we live, celebrate and pass our values from one generation to the next. Every year, the Indian festivals Dussehra and Diwali remind us that its message continues to guide millions through the triumph of light over darkness and righteousness over evil.
Very few stories continue to shape everyday life thousands of years after they were first told. The Ramayana does. Having spent much of my life working across the global film industry, I have always believed that India's greatest stories deserve to be experienced on the world's biggest stage.
Today, we finally have the artists, the technology, the craftsmanship and the collective ambition to present this extraordinary cultural legacy to audiences everywhere with the authenticity, scale and cinematic excellence it deserves.
This film marks the beginning of a journey to celebrate India's cultural richness with the world. India has always lived this story. It is now our privilege to share it on a global stage."
Director Nitesh Tiwari said:
"Few stories have shaped our understanding of duty, courage, sacrifice and humanity as profoundly as the Ramayana. Its scale is immense, but its values remain deeply personal and timeless. The story is already universal.
My responsibility has been to approach it with complete honesty, authenticity and reverence. Every creative decision we have made, from the writing and performances to the production design, music, visual effects and every frame on screen, has been guided by a single thought: to honour this extraordinary legacy with the dignity and respect it deserves while presenting it through the finest cinematic craftsmanship possible.
It has been the privilege of a lifetime to work alongside some of the world's finest artists, technicians and storytellers to bring this vision to life. I hope audiences everywhere experience the spectacle of Ramayana, along with the emotion, humanity and timeless spirit that have allowed it to endure for thousands of years."
DNEG is a globally recognised visual effects and animation company creating content for film, television, and immersive experiences, with studios across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
With nearly three decades of industry experience, DNEG has received eight Academy Awards® for Best Visual Effects since 2011, along with numerous BAFTA, Primetime Emmy®, and Visual Effects Society Awards for its acclaimed work.
Its upcoming slate includes Coyote vs. Acme (August 2026), Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups (August 2026), Klara and the Sun (October 2026), Street Fighter (October 2026), The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power – Season 3(November 2026), The Cat in the Hat (November 2026), Ramayana: Part 1 (November 2026), Blade Runner 2099(November 2026), Looney Tunes: Daffy Season (November 2026), The Angry Birds Movie 3 (December 2026), Above the Below (December 2026), Animal Friends (January 2027), Bad Fairies (May 2027), Margie Claus (November 2027), Alone at Dawn, SAS: Rogue Heroes Season 3, On The Line, Road House 2, Snoopy Unleashed, Blood On Snow, This City Is Ours Season 2, Black Palace, and Gundam.
Prime Focus Studios, founded by filmmaker and producer Namit Malhotra, finances and produces innovative content across film, television, and gaming for audiences worldwide.
The studio recently co-produced the animated feature The Garfield Movie with Alcon Entertainment for Sony Pictures, which earned more than $257 million globally.
Its current production slate includes the live-action/animation hybrid Animal Friends with Legendary Entertainment and Ryan Reynolds' Maximum Effort, The Angry Birds Movie 3 alongside Rovio Entertainment Ltd., SEGA, Flywheel Media, One Cool Group, and dentsu for Paramount Pictures, as well as the two-part cinematic event Ramayana, based on the 5,000-year-old epic and designed to launch an expansive transmedia universe.
Founded by Rocking Star Yash, Monster Mind Creations is an independent production company dedicated to nurturing creative talent and delivering groundbreaking cinematic storytelling.
The company is currently co-producing two major event films: Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups with KVN Productions and Ramayana alongside Prime Focus Studios.