India’s Most Expensive Film: Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana Starring Ranbir Kapoor & Yash Sets New Global Standard, Releasing Diwali 2026

Get ready for the biggest cinematic event! The Ramayana teaser featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Yash as Ravana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, promises an awe-inspiring spectacle. Produced by Namit Malhotra, this Ramayan movie is set to redefine Indian cinema with revolutionary DNEG VFX and a stellar cast including Sai Pallavi and Ravie Dubey.

 

The Dawn of Divinity: Ramayana’s Breathtaking First Glimpse Ignites Global Awe

 

The wait is finally over. The mythical realm of Ramayana is poised to explode onto the silver screen with unprecedented scale. Nitesh Tiwari‘s monumental live-action epic sent shockwaves globally, particularly after its July 3, 2025 unveiling in Times Square, New York, and major Indian cities. This Ramayan movie, touted as India’s most expensive cinematic endeavor with a staggering budget of approximately $100 million (around Rs 835 crore), has captivated audiences. Its recently premiered three-minute prelude, along with an exclusive 7-minute vision showreel, has left viewers spellbound, promising an unparalleled visual and emotional odyssey.

With Ranbir Kapoor embodying Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi portraying Goddess Sita, and Yash commanding as Ravana, this film is set to redefine mythological storytelling for a new generation, marking a pivotal moment for Indian cinema on the global stage.

 

A Visionary Collaboration & Stellar Ensemble: Icons Step into Immortality

 

At the heart of this colossal undertaking is National Award-winning filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari. Known for his nuanced storytelling, Tiwari aims to “honour that soul and present it with the cinematic scale it truly deserves,” ensuring the epic resonates deeply. Behind the awe-inspiring visuals stands Namit Malhotra, CEO of DNEG, the illustrious 8-time Oscar-winning VFX powerhouse. Namit Malhotra‘s involvement signals a paradigm shift in Indian cinema’s visual effects landscape, building on DNEG’s work for Dune, Inception, and Oppenheimer. For Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana, the promise is to reimagine ancient landscapes and battles with unparalleled splendor, presenting India’s rich legacy as a “gift to the world.”

The casting choices for this Ramayan movie form a dream team. Ranbir Kapoor embodies Lord Ram, a pivotal role honed by months of rigorous preparation, including spiritual discipline, physical training, and archery. Pan-India superstar Yash, fresh off KGF fame, takes on the challenging role of Ravana. His intense appearance garnered immense praise, with Yash viewing Ravana as a “very fascinating character” with “vast scope to present it differently,” further solidified by his co-production efforts. The exceptionally talented Sai Pallavi portrays Goddess Sita, lauded for her expressive eyes and grace.

Ravie Dubey (also Ravi Dubey) is confirmed as Lakshman, with reports of strong camaraderie with Ranbir Kapoor. The powerhouse Sunny Deol is set to bring Lord Hanuman to life, promising his signature blend of strength and devotion. The extensive ensemble cast further elevates the film, including veteran actors like Lara Dutta (Kaikeyi), Rakul Preet Singh (Shurpanakha), Kajal Aggarwal (Mandodari), Amitabh Bachchan (Jatayu), Mohit Raina (Lord Shiva), and Arun Govil (King Dasharath), promising an unparalleled cinematic experience.

The Breathtaking Preview: A Symphony of Sound and Vision

The three-minute Ramayana teaser, unveiled globally on July 3rd, launched a “cultural movement.” It introduces the cosmic trinity, setting the stage for the epic conflict, and transitions into stunning visuals of a world descending into chaos before Lord Ram emerges. Stylized animation, emotional visuals, and world-class design set a strong foundation for the timeless struggle between Rama and Ravana, culminating in a grand title sequence. The exclusive 7-minute vision showreel built further anticipation among select insiders.

The visual effects, crafted by DNEG VFX, were widely praised. Netizens reacted with “goosebumps,” declaring the Ramayana teaser a “GREATEST PIECE OF ART,” noting its “VFX level” sets new benchmarks. The expansive sets, intricate detailing, and sheer scale of mythical creatures and battles promise an immersive spectacle, showcasing dedication to pushing technological boundaries.

Adding global appeal, music is composed by Oscar-winning maestros Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman. Their unprecedented collaboration marks Zimmer’s Bollywood debut, promising a stirring background score. Hollywood’s top stunt directors, Terry Notary (Avengers) and Guy Norris (Mad Max: Fury Road), choreograph the epic battles, ensuring gritty action. Production designers Ravi Bansal (Dune 2) and Ramsey Avery (Captain America) meticulously reimagine ancient India, promising an immersive spectacle transporting audiences to Ayodhya and Lanka.

Learning from the Past, Forging the Future

 

The makers of this Ramayana film are keenly aware of immense expectations and lessons learned from previous adaptations like Adipurush. Shortcomings in VFX, character depictions, and anachronistic dialogues served as a crucial cautionary tale. The new Ramayana explicitly aims to avoid these pitfalls. Nitesh Tiwari‘s focus on reverence and authenticity, combined with Namit Malhotra‘s unwavering commitment to world-class technical execution via DNEG VFX, ensures this version will truly honor the epic’s essence. Namit Malhotra states, “We’ve seen Ramayana portrayed before — but this version reimagines its landscapes, creatures, and battles with the scale and splendour they deserve.”

This dedication to artistic integrity and technical prowess positions this Ramayana as a definitive, respectful, and visually stunning adaptation.

A Two-Part Cinematic Universe: The Scope of a Timeless Tale

 

The monumental scale of this Ramayana film necessitates its release in two parts. Part 1 is slated for Diwali 2026, with Part 2 following in Diwali 2027. Filmed in IMAX, this Ramayana is designed as a transcendent theatrical experience – a cinematic odyssey into the heart of one of humanity’s most enduring epics. Splitting the narrative allows for exploring the tale’s vastness and intricacy without compromise.

Set 5,000 years ago, the narrative of Ramayana is revered by over 2.5 billion people worldwide. This adaptation is reimagined not just as a film, but as a sprawling “live-action cinematic universe,” hinting at future spin-offs. By bringing together Oscar-winning technicians, Hollywood creators, and India’s biggest names, the production aims to make this ancient epic accessible globally. The immense buzz around ramayana ranbir kapoor, yash, sai pallavi, ravie dubey, sunny deol, and the entire creative team indicates this ramayana film is not just a movie; it’s a cultural phenomenon. It’s a timeless tale of cosmic war and dharma, reimagined with cutting-edge innovation and heartfelt reverence to be India’s truly global gift to the world.

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