DNEG and Sony Pictures have debuted a brand new poster for Namit Malhotra's Ramayana: Part 1, revealing the film's international title: Ramayana: Rise of a Legend.
The highly anticipated film is the first of a two-part feature adaptation of the epic poem that has shaped the cultural and spiritual fabric of India for millennia. Along with the new title, we've also received an updated synopsis for the English-language release:
"Based on the celebrated ancient epic known to billions, Namit Malhotra's Ramayana: Rise of a Legend tells the story of Rama, a prince bound by sacrifice; Ravana, an immortal king driven by vengeance; and the prophecy that binds their fates together. It stars Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi.
The film is produced by acclaimed filmmaker Namit Malhotra, whose Academy Award®-winning visual effects company DNEG is behind films including The Odyssey, Dune, Interstellar, and Inception; directed by Nitesh Tiwari, whose film Dangal remains the highest-grossing Indian film worldwide; and scored by Academy Award® winners Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman. Namit Malhotra's Ramayana: Rise of a Legend will be released globally in theaters on Diwali on November 6."
While the story is well-known, it remains unclear where the filmmakers will split the epic, although, based on the trailer, we'd surmise the cliffhanger will likely occur shortly after Ravana abducts Sita, with Ram declaring war on Lanka, which would set the stage for the second film to feature the introduction of Hanuman and the epic war.
Ranbir Kapoor, widely considered one of India's biggest and most versatile stars, will be stepping into the legendary role as Lord Rama. Previously speaking on this career-defining opportunity, Kapoor said, “I don’t think I’m here to represent Rama. I’m here to learn from him. There is a simplicity and purity to him that is very rare; and trying to understand and imbibe that has been a deeply humbling experience.”
In addition to Kapoor, the main cast consists of Yash ("Ravana"), Sai Pallavi ("Maa Sita"), Sunny Deol ("Hanuman"), Ravie Dubey ("Lakshmana"), Shobana as ("Kaikesi"), Ajinkya Deo ("Sage Vishwamitra"), Kunal Kapoor ("Lord Indra), Rakul Preet Singh ("Surpanakha"), and Lara Dutta ("Kaikeyi").
Nitesh Tiwari directed the two-part cinematic epic, with Namit Malhotra penning the script for both chapters. The film is produced by Prime Focus Studios, in association with eight-time Academy Award®-winning production and visual effects studio DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations.
To further establish this project as a global endeavor, Academy Award-winners Hans Zimmer & A.R. Rahman have been enlisted to score the film, while the action has been choreographed by a pair of Hollywood’s leading stunt directors, Terry Notary and Guy Norris.
Ramayana - Part 1 hits theaters Diwali 2026 (November 6), with Ramayana - Part 2 set to arrive Diwali 2027 (October 29, 2027).
Check out a stunning new behind-the-scenes featurette, the film's first song, the film's English trailer, and a handful of new posters below:
From visionary producer and filmmaker Namit Malhotra comes RAMAYANA: PART 1, a sweeping, two-part cinematic event inspired by one of the world’s most enduring epics.
Since the beginning of time, the Trinity Gods have ruled the three worlds: Brahma, the god who creates; Vishnu, the god who protects; and Shiva, the god who transforms. As the realms of heaven and earth edge toward chaos, Vishnu descends to earth in human form to restore balance. This time, Vishnu is reborn as RAMA (Ranbir Kapoor), a human prince destined to restore balance. Opposing him is the formidable, learned, undefeatable, and immortal demon king RAVANA (Yash), blessed by the Trinity themselves and driven by pride and a vengeance powerful enough to shatter the cosmos.
Unaware of his true purpose as the only opponent destined to stand against Ravana in a fateful cosmic design, Rama is the embodiment of Dharma (duty above all) and the most loved crown prince of Ayodhya, the greatest human dynasty of the time. Rama tries to build a life of quiet honour with his beloved wife Sita (Sai Pallavi) and loyal brother Lakshmana (Ravie Dubey), and those closest to him, until a twist of fate drives him into exile and toward an inevitable clash with Ravana, a reckoning so cataclysmic that it will decide the destiny of gods and mortals.