Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, a two-part cinematic franchise, unveils its first glimpse of Rama, with Ranbir Kapoor stepping into the role.

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.

APRIL 2, 2026: Ramayana has unveiled its most important chapter yet.

Namit Malhotra, producer, filmmaker, and creative architect behind one of the world’s most ambitious cinematic productions and enduring epics RAMAYANA, a two-part cinematic franchise, introduces ‘Rama’, one of the most enduring figures in storytelling. Through a dedicated teaser, audiences are offered their first look at Ranbir Kapoor as Rama.

A GLOBAL MOMENT

Unveiled globally with equal fanfare, the ‘Rama’ teaser marks a significant moment for audiences worldwide, bringing into focus a figure whose story has endured for over 5,000 years.

For those who have grown up with this story, it offers a refreshed perspective. For others, it offers an opportunity to engage with it for the first time at this scale.

A HERO DEFINED BY THE CHOICES HE MADE

Rama represents the kind of hero the world rarely sees anymore—one who chooses duty over desire, walks away from power when it is right to do so, and does what is necessary, even when it costs him everything.

Revered as Maryada Purushottama, ‘the highest ideal of human conduct’, Rama embodies dignity, compassion, and moral clarity, even in the face of exile, loss, and injustice. That is what makes him timeless.

Nitesh Tiwari, Director of Ramayana (2-part franchise)

“Ramayana’s greatness lies in its emotional richness. At its heart, it is not just about good and evil, but about choices, consequences, and the weight of doing what is right. Rama’s journey is deeply human—and that is what we have tried to stay true to.”

Ranbir Kapoor on playing Rama

“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.”

Namit Malhotra, Producer, Filmmaker & Creative Architect

“The power of Rama’s story is not in what he conquers, but in what he lets go of. He represents a standard that is not easy, not convenient—but necessary. He chooses duty over desire, truth over comfort, and sacrifice over self. That is why his story has endured for thousands of years, and why it continues to matter today.”

ABOUT NAMIT MALHOTRA’S RAMAYANA

Since the beginning of time, the Trinity Gods rule the three worlds:
Brahma – the creator,
Vishnu – the protector,
Shiva – the transformer.

As the realms of heaven and earth edge toward chaos, Vishnu descends to earth in an avatar to restore balance. This time, he is reborn as Rama (Ranbir Kapoor)—a human prince destined to fulfil that purpose.

Opposing him stands the formidable and immortal demon king Ravana (Yash), blessed by the Trinity themselves, driven by pride and vengeance powerful enough to shatter the cosmos.

Unaware of his true purpose, Rama—the embodiment of Dharma—is the beloved crown prince of Ayodhya. He seeks a life of quiet honour with his wife Sita (Sai Pallavi) and loyal brother Lakshman (Ravie Dubey), until fate drives him into exile and toward an inevitable clash with Ravana.

This cataclysmic confrontation will decide the destiny of gods and mortals.

A GLOBAL ASSEMBLY OF TALENT – FRONT & BEHIND THE CAMERA

Ramayana stands among the most ambitious productions in Indian cinema history, bringing together global talent.

At its core is a landmark casting: Ranbir Kapoor and Yash—two of Indian cinema’s most influential stars—coming together in opposing roles, creating a rare cinematic moment of scale and cultural impact.

The film also stars:

• Sai Pallavi (Sita)
• Sunny Deol (Hanuman)
• Ravie Dubey (Lakshman)

Produced by Namit Malhotra, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, and adapted by Shridhar Raghavan, the film features music by Oscar®-winning composers Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman.

Production design is led by Ravi Bansal and Ramsey Avery, while action is helmed by Terry Notary and Guy Norris.

A STORY RETURNING AT THE RIGHT TIME

Ramayana is not just a story—it is a living cultural force.

Its most defining moment, Rama’s return to Ayodhya, is celebrated as Diwali, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness. Celebrated by billions worldwide, this festival keeps the story alive across generations.

At its heart, Ramayana is a profoundly human story—contrasting:

• Dharma vs ego
• Sacrifice vs ambition
• Humility vs pride

This is what makes it one of the most enduring epics in human history.

Prime Focus Studios, in association with DNEG and Monster Mind Creations, presents NAMIT MALHOTRA’S RAMAYANA: PART 1—a two-part live-action epic filmed for IMAX, based on the ancient writings of Valmiki.

Release: Diwali 2026 (Part 1)
Part 2: Diwali 2027