'Ramayana' has been one of the most anticipated films in Indian cinema. Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Sunny Deol in lead roles, the film is set to release on Diwali 2026.
Ramayana is not just an epic but an emotion every Sanatani deeply feels in their core. The timeless story of Maryada Purushottam Rama and the embodiment of purity, sacrifice and strength, Sita, has won over millions of hearts over the years. Their story has been adapted into books, animations, films, and television shows. However, this time it is being brought to life on the largest scale yet.
With a budget of nearly Rs. 4,000 crore, fans have been waiting to see the magic the magnificent duo, Nitesh Tiwari and Nimit Malhotra, will bring to the screens this Diwali 2026. Ahead of that, the makers gave the first glimpse of Ramayana during a screening in Los Angeles. The reaction? It was everything one could expect and more.
Ramayana is arguably one of the most anticipated films of the year. The film, helmed by Nitesh Tiwari, is one of the most revered epics of Hindu mythology, and it's the first time it is being made on an unprecedented scale. The film boasts a massive ensemble cast led by three giants: Ranbir Kapoor as 'Lord Rama', Sai Pallavi as 'Sita', and Yash as 'Ravana'. The first glimpse of the film, unveiled last year, offered audiences a brief window into the expansive world Tiwari has been building alongside producer Namit Malhotra.
Adding to the project's already global scale, with collaboration between music maestros, A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer, the film has added to the buzz. With global stars' names attached and a story of monumental cultural significance at its heart, expectations have understandably risen. Early reactions suggest the makers may have delivered on their promise. Yes! The makers gave the first glimpse of the film at a screening in Los Angeles at the Cinemark Playa Vista theatre, according to a report by The Week. The special showcase was arranged for a select audience aged 18 to 60.
The initial response to the film, Ramayana has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans have very high expectations for the film, and it seems the first group of viewers has given it a thumbs-up. Viewers have lauded the film's grand scale and groundbreaking visual effects. They also felt immensely satisfied by the film's commitment to rooted storytelling. The report further clarified that only the first cut of the film was screened. They stated it was a test experiment, ahead of the film's scheduled release on Diwali 2026.
Namit Malhotra has reportedly invested approximately Rs. 4,000 crore into the ambitious epic. Speaking on the Game Changers podcast last year, Namit got candid about the challenges of mounting a film of this magnitude. He shared that it is not a business proposition for him. He was quoted as saying:
"The shooting for Part 1 is almost over now. When I started planning the film, we had a huge vision. Everyone, including actors, asked me if I had enough funds to pull it off. I’ve finished the first film and not borrowed a single rupee. I don’t know where the money is coming from. When people ask me how I pulled it off, even I don’t know. This is something else. It’s just happening on its own. This is not just a project or a business proposition."
In the same conversation, he even reflected on the final budget of the mega saga. Namit Malhotra revealed that he doesn't know yet, but he doesn't check that every day. For the unversed, Ramayana will be released as a two-part epic, with the second instalment slated for a Diwali release next year. He was quoted as saying:
"People ask me what my final budget is going to be, but I don’t know. I don’t check that every day. I just want to see if we’re making the right product. There should be no compromise anywhere."
Are you excited for Ramayana Part 1? Let us know.
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