‘RAMAYANA’: India’s Most Ambitious Epic Aims for a Global Cinematic Breakthrough
Courtesy of Sterling Global / Prime Focus Studios / Monster Mind Creations / DNEG.
A story that has endured for over 5,000 years is being reimagined on an unprecedented scale. ‘Ramayana,’ the upcoming two-part cinematic franchise from producer Namit Malhotra and director Nitesh Tiwari, is positioning itself as a defining moment not only for Indian cinema, but for global filmmaking.
With a reported total budget of $400–500 million, the project firmly places itself in Hollywood blockbuster territory. Frequently described as a potential “India’s Avatar moment,” ‘Ramayana’ represents a bold attempt to globalise one of the most culturally significant narratives in human history—one known to an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide.
The film recently unveiled its first major teaser, offering audiences a glimpse of its central figure: Rama, portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor. Known for his performances in films like ‘Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva,’ Kapoor steps into the role of one of the most revered figures in global storytelling.
Rama is not a conventional hero. Defined by duty over desire, sacrifice over self, and moral clarity over comfort, he embodies the ideal of Maryada Purushottama—the highest standard of human conduct. As Kapoor himself reflected, playing Rama is less about representation and more about learning: a process he described as “deeply humbling.”
Director Tiwari emphasises that the film’s strength lies not just in spectacle, but in emotional depth. “It is not just about good and evil,” he notes, “but about choices, consequences, and the weight of doing what is right.”
‘Ramayana’ follows the divine prince Rama—an incarnation of the god Vishnu—who is destined to restore balance in a world slipping toward chaos. Opposing him is Ravana, the powerful and complex demon king, played by Yash.
The story unfolds across exile, loss, love, and ultimately, a cataclysmic confrontation that will determine the fate of gods and mortals alike. Alongside Rama are key figures including Sita (played by Sai Pallavi), Lakshman (Ravie Dubey), and Hanuman (Sunny Deol).
For international audiences unfamiliar with the epic, ‘Ramayana’ is being positioned as a cultural touchstone comparable to ‘The Iliad’ or ‘The Odyssey’—a foundational narrative that has shaped civilizations for millennia.
The film is produced by DNEG, the eight-time Academy Award-winning studio behind films like ‘Oppenheimer’ and ‘Dune.’ This marks a significant evolution for the UK-headquartered company as it steps into a producer role.
The production is designed as IMAX-scale event cinema, with action and stunt coordination from talent associated with ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ ‘Mad Max: Fury Road,’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.’
Adding to its global appeal is a historic musical collaboration between Oscar-winning composers Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman.
‘Ramayana: Part 1’ is set for a global theatrical release during Diwali 2026, with Part 2 scheduled to follow in Diwali 2027. Shot for IMAX and conceived as a two-part epic, the franchise aims to redefine the scale and reach of Indian storytelling on the world stage.
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