The long-awaited cinematic adaptation of the timeless Indian epic has arrived. Ramayana Part 1, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, opened in theatres across the world on 5 November 2026. With a runtime of three hours and fifteen minutes, the film brings the story of Lord Rama to the big screen in a grand, visually rich presentation available in Hindi and multiple South Indian languages.
When the invincible Rakshasa emperor Ravana conquers the three worlds, Lord Vishnu takes human form as the noble prince Rama. Bound by his father’s vow, Rama accepts fourteen years of exile accompanied by his devoted wife Sita and loyal brother Lakshmana. The narrative follows their journey through forest trials until Ravana’s abduction of Sita sets the stage for an epic confrontation.
A Star-Studded Cast Brings the Legend to Life
Ranbir Kapoor steps into the role of Rama with quiet strength and dignity. Sai Pallavi portrays Sita with grace and quiet resolve, while Ravi Dubey makes his film debut as the steadfast Lakshmana. Yash commands the screen as the formidable Ravana, and Sunny Deol appears as the devoted Hanuman. Supporting performances by Arun Govil as King Dasharatha, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi and others add depth to the royal and forest sequences.
The film benefits from the combined expertise of Prime Focus Studios, Monster Mind Creations and the Oscar-winning visual effects team at DNEG. Music composed by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman elevates key emotional and battle moments, creating a score that feels both ancient and contemporary.
Story and Themes That Still Resonate
At its heart, Ramayana Part 1 explores duty, honour and the cost of righteousness. Rama’s decision to honour his father’s word, Sita’s unwavering loyalty, and Lakshmana’s selfless service form the emotional core. The abduction of Sita by Ravana shifts the tone from pastoral exile to the beginning of a larger conflict that will continue in the second part, scheduled for Diwali 2027.
The screenplay, co-written by Nitesh Tiwari and Shridhar Raghavan, stays faithful to the spirit of Valmiki’s epic while shaping the first three kandas into a cinematic narrative. Scenes of the forest life, the golden deer, and the fateful separation are staged with care and visual splendour, especially in IMAX and other premium formats.
Accessibility and Global Reach
Audiences can experience the film with Audio Description and Closed Captions through the CineDubs app, making the story accessible to more viewers. The theatrical release spans India in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, with Sony Pictures handling international distribution outside India and Dharma Productions managing the Hindi circuit.
Early audience response has been strong, with solid advance bookings and steady ticket sales in the opening days. The film’s combination of star power, large-scale production values and cultural resonance has drawn both families and younger viewers to theatres.
What Lies Ahead
As the first half of a two-part saga, the film ends at a pivotal moment, leaving audiences eager for the continuation. Part 2 is expected to cover the war in Lanka and the final resolution of the epic conflict. For now, viewers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beginning of Rama’s journey on the big screen.