Ramayana: Part 1 (2026): Cast, Story and What to Know

Ramayana: Part 1 is the first half of Nitesh Tiwari's big-screen adaptation of one of India's most loved stories. It reaches cinemas in the first week of November 2026, timed to Diwali. This guide covers the story, the cast, the people behind the camera and what the release plan looks like.

What is Ramayana: Part 1?

It is a Hindi-language mythological epic based on the ancient Sanskrit poem attributed to Valmiki. Tiwari, who previously directed Dangal and Chhichhore, co-wrote the screenplay with Shridhar Raghavan. Namit Malhotra produces, and Yash is also a producer.

The film is planned as two parts. The makers say the story is too large for a single film. Part 1 is meant to end on a cliffhanger, and Part 2 is scheduled for Diwali 2027.

The story

The Ramayana follows Rama, a prince of Ayodhya who is regarded as an incarnation of the god Vishnu. Bound by his father's promise, he accepts exile in the forest. His wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana go with him.

Ravana, the powerful ruler of Lanka, abducts Sita. Rama sets out to bring her home, helped by allies including Hanuman. The story builds towards a great war.

The makers have not said exactly where Part 1 stops, so we will not guess. The studio's own description focuses on Rama's exile, the loyalty of Sita and Lakshmana, and the threat posed by Ravana.

Cast and characters

The main players

• Ranbir Kapoor plays Rama. He has also said he plays Parshurama, another figure linked to Vishnu in Hindu tradition.
• Sai Pallavi plays Sita.
• Yash plays Ravana. He is also a co-producer.
• Sunny Deol plays Hanuman.
• Ravi Dubey plays Lakshmana.

The wider lineup

The supporting cast includes Lara Dutta, Indira Krishnan, Kunal Kapoor, Anupam Kher and Shobana. Casting a Hindi-cinema leading man alongside major names from South Indian film gives the project a pan-Indian reach.

Music and visuals

The score is a joint effort by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman. It is Zimmer's first full Indian feature film. Reports say Kumar Vishwas wrote the lyrics. Rahman has described the work as daunting because of the epic's cultural weight. The aim is to blend Zimmer's large-scale soundscapes with traditional Indian elements, including Sanskrit verses.

Visual effects come from the studio DNEG, known for its work on Inception, Interstellar and Dune. Filming took place in India, with war sequences shot on location in Mumbai and on studio sets.

The teaser drew a mixed response online. Some viewers praised the scale and performances. Others felt the effects could have looked better or more rooted in Indian visual traditions, given the size of the budget.

Release plans

The first part opens in the first week of November 2026, around Diwali. Reports give slightly different dates for India and overseas markets, so check your local cinema listings. Advance booking has opened in several countries, including the USA.

The film is being released in Hindi and English, and the makers plan screenings in IMAX, 3D and other premium large formats. Reports also mention different theatrical cuts for different markets. Listings suggest a running time of about three hours, though that may change.

Why it matters

Indian cinema has told the Ramayana many times, on film, on television and in animation. What sets this version apart is its ambition. It is a two-film event, with international composers, a major effects studio and a global release.

Tiwari has said he chose Kapoor because the role carries the expectations of a huge audience. Few stories come with that kind of weight. Viewers will bring their own ideas of how Rama, Sita and Ravana should look and sound, so the film has a lot to live up to.

What to watch while you wait

If you want to prepare, the story is worth reading in a short modern retelling first. Earlier screen versions, including the much-loved 1980s television serial, show how differently each generation has handled the material. Our own review of Part 1 will follow once we have seen it.

The bottom line

Ramayana: Part 1 is one of the biggest Indian productions ever attempted. It has a famous story, a strong cast and an unusual musical pairing. Whether it earns its scale will only be clear once audiences see the finished film. The second part, due in 2027, will decide how the whole story lands.