Ramayana: Part 1 brings one of India’s most familiar epics to the big screen in a large-scale cinematic adaptation directed by Nitesh Tiwari. Led by Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana, the film begins a planned two-part retelling produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios. Released in cinemas worldwide on 5 November 2026, the first chapter combines an ensemble cast, music by A. R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer, and visual effects by DNEG.
This guide covers the film’s story, cast and characters, director, production, music, release details and the larger cultural significance of bringing the Ramayana to a contemporary international audience. It focuses on confirmed information and distinguishes the film’s creative interpretation from the traditional epic.
Watch the official Ramayana: Part 1 trailer
Watch the official trailer released by Sony Pictures Entertainment:
Ramayana: Part 1 movie overview
| Film | Ramayana: Part 1 (also promoted as Ramayana: Part One) |
|---|---|
| Genre | Mythological epic, drama, action |
| Director | Nitesh Tiwari |
| Producer | Namit Malhotra |
| Production | Prime Focus Studios, DNEG and Monster Mind Creations |
| Lead cast | Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash |
| Music | A. R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer |
| Release date | 5 November 2026 |
| Languages | Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and English |
| Format | Worldwide theatrical release, including premium formats |
What is Ramayana: Part 1 about?
The film draws from the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, a story centred on Prince Rama, his wife Sita, his brother Lakshmana and the conflict with Ravana, the king of Lanka. The first instalment introduces the principal characters and the events that set the larger story in motion.
Rama is presented as a prince whose sense of duty and commitment to dharma shape his decisions. His marriage to Sita connects Ayodhya with the kingdom of Mithila. When palace politics lead to Rama’s exile, Sita and Lakshmana accompany him away from royal life. Their journey becomes the foundation for the conflict that will eventually bring Rama and Ravana into opposition.
Ravana is more than a conventional antagonist in the wider tradition: he is a powerful ruler whose ambition, pride and choices drive the central confrontation. The film’s two-part structure gives the filmmakers room to establish the characters, relationships and stakes before the story reaches its larger battles. Viewers should expect a cinematic interpretation rather than a scene-by-scene substitute for every version of the epic.
Ramayana: Part 1 cast and characters
The film brings together actors from Hindi and other Indian film industries. Its central roles are supported by a large ensemble portraying members of the royal families, allies and adversaries from the epic.
Ranbir Kapoor as Rama
Ranbir Kapoor plays Rama, the prince of Ayodhya at the heart of the story. The role asks the actor to portray a figure associated with duty, restraint, compassion and moral responsibility. Rama’s exile and his relationship with Sita and Lakshmana form the emotional foundation of the first chapter.
Sai Pallavi as Sita
Sai Pallavi portrays Sita, the princess of Mithila and Rama’s wife. Sita is central to the emotional and moral dimensions of the Ramayana. Her strength, conviction and decisions are essential to the story, not simply to the conflict between Rama and Ravana.
Yash as Ravana
Yash appears as Ravana, the king of Lanka. Known to a wide audience for the K.G.F. films, Yash takes on one of the epic’s most formidable characters. Ravana’s power, intelligence and pride make him a complex figure in the traditional narrative.
Other important cast members
- Sunny Deol: Hanuman
- Ravi Dubey: Lakshmana
- Arun Govil: King Dasharatha
- Lara Dutta: Kaikeyi
- Kajal Aggarwal: Mandodari
- Rakul Preet Singh: Surpanakha
- Vivek Oberoi: Vidyutjihva
- Anupam Kher: voice of Jatayu
The wider ensemble includes performers portraying Kaushalya, Sumitra, Bharat, Shatrughan, Urmila, Manthara, Kumbhakarna, Vibhishana and other figures from the epic. Character listings can vary between promotional materials and published cast guides; the final on-screen credits are the definitive reference.
Who directed and produced Ramayana: Part 1?
Nitesh Tiwari directs the two-part adaptation. His previous films include Dangal, Chhichhore and Bawaal. The project is produced by Namit Malhotra through Prime Focus Studios, in association with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations. Yash is also a co-producer.
The production brings together Indian storytelling and an international visual-effects team. DNEG is responsible for the film’s extensive visual-effects work, while the filmmakers have described the project as a large-scale cinematic presentation designed for audiences in India and overseas.
Music by A. R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer
One of the film’s notable creative collaborations is the music partnership between A. R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer. Rahman is known for blending Indian musical traditions with contemporary orchestration, while Zimmer has composed scores for major international productions. Their collaboration brings together two distinct musical backgrounds for a story with a strong cultural and emotional identity.
The score has an important role in shaping the film’s atmosphere, from intimate character moments to the scale of its epic sequences. The soundtrack and background score should be considered part of the film’s overall interpretation rather than treated as separate decoration.
Release date, languages and theatrical presentation
Ramayana: Part 1 was released worldwide in cinemas on 5 November 2026. The official production announcement lists Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and English versions. The film was presented as a theatrical event, with premium-format screenings included in its release plans.
Prime Focus Studios announced the worldwide theatrical release on its official website. International distribution was also supported by Sony Pictures, while Dharma Productions was announced as a distributor for the Hindi-speaking market in India. Check local cinema listings for current showtimes and available language versions.
Is Ramayana: Part 1 based on the original Ramayana?
The film is based on the Ramayana, one of the foundational epics of Indian literature and culture. The story has been retold through different texts, regional traditions, theatre, television, dance, art and oral storytelling. The Sanskrit Ramayana traditionally associated with Valmiki is one major source, but it is not the only cultural expression of the story.
A modern film adaptation must make creative decisions about pacing, characterisation, dialogue, visual design and which episodes to include in each instalment. As a result, some details may differ from familiar retellings. It is useful to approach the film as a contemporary cinematic interpretation while recognising the diversity and religious significance of the epic for many people.
Why this adaptation has attracted attention
The project has drawn attention for the scale of its production, its prominent cast and the collaboration between Indian filmmakers and international technical artists. The combination of Nitesh Tiwari’s direction, Namit Malhotra’s production, DNEG’s visual effects and a score by Rahman and Zimmer has made the film a major talking point in Indian cinema.
Its subject also carries expectations beyond ordinary entertainment. The Ramayana is familiar to audiences in many regions, but the details and emphasis of the story can differ across languages and traditions. The film therefore has the challenge of creating a coherent cinematic experience while treating a culturally important narrative with care.
Ramayana: Part 2: What comes next?
Ramayana has been developed as a two-part cinematic story. Part One establishes the world and principal characters, while the second instalment is intended to continue the larger narrative. The producers have described the project as a two-film journey, but viewers should rely on official announcements for the confirmed release date, title and distribution details of the next chapter.
Frequently asked questions
When was Ramayana: Part 1 released?
Ramayana: Part 1 was released in cinemas worldwide on 5 November 2026.
Who plays Rama, Sita and Ravana?
Ranbir Kapoor plays Rama, Sai Pallavi plays Sita and Yash portrays Ravana.
Who plays Hanuman and Lakshmana?
Sunny Deol plays Hanuman, while Ravi Dubey portrays Lakshmana.
Who directed Ramayana: Part 1?
Nitesh Tiwari directed the film. Namit Malhotra produced it through Prime Focus Studios.
Who composed the music for Ramayana: Part 1?
The film’s music is a collaboration between A. R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer.
In which languages is Ramayana: Part 1 available?
The official release announcement lists Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and English versions. Availability may vary by cinema and territory.
Is Ramayana: Part 1 the first film in a series?
It is the first instalment of a planned two-part cinematic adaptation. The second film will continue the story, with further details to be confirmed by the producers.
Official sources and further information
- Prime Focus Studios: Ramayana: Part One arrives worldwide
- DNEG: Ramayana project announcement and creative team
- Ramayana official film website: Cast and characters
- The Indian Express: Ramayana Part 1 cast guide
Editorial note: Cast, release and production details in this guide are based on official announcements and published reporting available at the time of writing. The film’s story is a modern adaptation of a revered epic, and interpretations may differ across traditions.