Nitesh Tiwari unveils trailer for record-breaking Ramayan epic starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash

Director Nitesh Tiwari has unveiled the highly anticipated trailer for his upcoming cinematic adaptation of the ancient epic “Ramayana,” offering a first look at a production that stands as one of the most expensive projects in Indian film history. With a staggering budget exceeding 4,000 crore rupees—approximately $500 million—the two-part film aims to deliver a modern, visually immersive spectacle for a global audience.
The trailer captures the grandeur of the legendary narrative, anchored by Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita. While the leads have garnered significant attention, the primary focus of public discourse has been the enigmatic portrayal of Raavan by South Indian superstar Yash. Introduced with a mysterious and regal presence, the antagonist is presented through a synthesis of Tiwari’s creative vision and traditional mythology, establishing him as a formidable ruler of the three worlds.
The star-studded ensemble includes Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha, and Vivek Oberoi as Vidyujjihva. Additionally, Arun Govil, widely recognized for his iconic television portrayal of Ram, returns to the epic in the role of King Dasharatha. Notably, the trailer omits any glimpse of Sunny Deol, who is cast as Hanuman, keeping the character’s appearance under wraps for the theatrical release.
Technically, the film promises a sophisticated visual experience, utilizing high-end CGI and VFX to translate the ancient text into a modern cinematic language. Producer Namit Malhotra, who initiated the project seven years ago, acknowledged the initial skepticism surrounding the scale of the endeavor. He emphasized that the production team is balancing high ambitions with rigorous financial discipline, asserting that the project is executed with greater efficiency than many large-budget Hollywood features.
Adding to the film’s prestige is the collaboration between Indian musical maestro A.R. Rahman and Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer, who have joined forces for the first time. Rahman described the process of scoring such a foundational epic as both a daunting challenge and a point of immense professional pride.
“Ramayana” is scheduled for a two-part global release. The first installment is slated to arrive in theaters in October 2026, ahead of Diwali, with the concluding chapter following during the festival season in 2027.