Sony Pictures Entertainment is preparing to launch the first instalment of the highly anticipated mythological epic «Ramayana» to global audiences on November 6.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, best known for helming India’s highest-grossing release «Dangal», the two-part film brings an ancient Indian saga to international cinemas. This marks a major push by the studio to introduce South Asian stories to a wider mainstream market. Filmed specifically for Imax formats, the feature is designed to bridge cultural divides and will be distributed in several languages including English.
The plot
The story centres on exiled prince Rama, played by Ranbir Kapoor, and his consort Sita, portrayed by Sai Pallavi. Their banishment takes a disastrous turn when the antagonist Ravana, played by Yash, kidnaps Sita. Her abduction sparks a devastating war across three worlds. Promotional footage released earlier this summer previewed the project’s massive battle sequences, mythological weaponry and expansive visual effects.
Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations share production duties. The eight-time Oscar-winning visual effects studio DNEG, recognised for its contributions to «Dune», «Interstellar» and «Inception», is managing the extensive digital post-production. Their involvement ensures the mythical settings are rendered with cutting-edge realism. Shridhar Raghavan provided the screenplay.
Strategic holiday distribution
The technical team boasts significant international talent. Renowned composers Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman have partnered to create the film’s score. Furthermore, Terry Notary and Guy Norris choreographed the action sequences while Ramsey Avery and Ravi Bansal oversaw production design.
The choice of a Diwali release date mirrors the narrative focus of the film. The prominent Hindu festival directly commemorates Rama’s return to the kingdom of Ayodhya and his ultimate victory over Ravana following 14 years of exile.
Sony Pictures Entertainment will manage the global rollout while Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions takes charge of the domestic Indian distribution. Following this year’s debut, the concluding second part of «Ramayana» is scheduled to arrive in cinemas during the Diwali holiday in 2027.
