The makers of Ramayana: Part 1 have unveiled the film’s first official theatrical trailer, offering audiences their most detailed look yet at what is being billed as the largest cinematic adaptation of the Indian epic.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, the four-minute trailer introduces Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Yash as Ravana, while showcasing large-scale visual effects, grand battle sequences and a more emotionally driven retelling of the Ramayana.
Scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 8, 2026 (Diwali), the film is the first chapter of a planned two-part saga.
Trailer Showcases Rama’s Journey and Ravana’s Rise
The trailer opens with the rise of Ravana, portrayed by Yash in an imposing look featuring elaborate golden armour and commanding battlefield sequences.
Ranbir Kapoor is then introduced as Prince Rama, with veteran actor Arun Govil, who famously portrayed Lord Rama in Ramanand Sagar’s television adaptation, appearing as King Dasharatha.
The footage traces Rama’s transformation from a compassionate prince into a warrior confronting evil alongside his brother Lakshman, while also offering emotional glimpses of Sita and the royal family of Ayodhya.
The trailer concludes by teasing the beginning of the larger conflict between Ayodhya and Lanka.
Star-Studded Cast
The film brings together actors from Bollywood, South Indian cinema and television.
Ayodhya
- Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama
- Sai Pallavi as Sita
- Ravi Dubey as Lakshman
- Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman
- Arun Govil as King Dasharatha
- Lara Dutta as Queen Kaikeyi
- Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara
- Indira Krishnan as Queen Kaushalya
- Sonal Jha as Queen Sumitra
- Adinath Kothare as Bharata
- Nitish Sharma as Shatrughna
Lanka
- Yash as Ravana
- Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari
- Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha
- Faisal Malik as Kumbhakarna
- Harish Uthaman as Vibhishana
- Shobana as Kaikesi
Visual Effects and Music Aim for Global Scale
One of the trailer’s biggest highlights is its visual presentation.
The film’s visual effects are being created by DNEG, the Oscar-winning studio behind films including Dune, Blade Runner 2049 and Interstellar.
The soundtrack also features an unprecedented collaboration between Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman, combining Hollywood orchestration with Indian musical traditions.
The film has been shot for IMAX and will be released in multiple languages worldwide.
Story Split Into Two Parts
The makers have confirmed that Ramayana: Part 1 will focus on:
- Rama’s early life in Ayodhya
- His marriage to Sita
- Kaikeyi’s exile demand
- The 14-year exile
- The abduction of Sita
The climactic war between Rama and Ravana has been reserved for Ramayana: Part 2, which is scheduled for release during Diwali 2027.
Internet Reactions: Praise and Criticism
The trailer has generated widespread discussion across social media.
Many viewers praised Yash’s commanding portrayal of Ravana, with several calling him the standout performer of the trailer.
Ranbir Kapoor’s restrained portrayal of Lord Rama has also received appreciation, with fans highlighting his calm screen presence and dignified performance.
The background score by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman has drawn significant praise, while many viewers applauded the improved colour grading and more traditional visual design compared to earlier promotional footage.
However, not all reactions have been positive. Some users questioned whether certain CGI sequences matched the film’s reported budget, describing a few visual effects shots as unfinished. Others debated Sai Pallavi’s casting as Sita and noted the limited presence of characters such as Hanuman and the Vanara Sena in the trailer.
Why It Matters
With a reported budget estimated between ₹2,600 crore and ₹4,000 crore across both parts, Ramayana is widely regarded as the most ambitious film project ever mounted in Indian cinema.
The trailer suggests that the filmmakers are aiming beyond a traditional mythological adaptation, positioning the film as a global cinematic event with Hollywood-level production values while remaining rooted in one of India’s most enduring epics.
If the final film delivers on the scale promised in the trailer, Ramayana: Part 1 could become one of the defining releases of Indian cinema in 2026.
