Ramayana: Part 1 (2026)

Nitesh Tiwari steps into the epic realm with Ramayana: Part 1, a massive Hindi-language adaptation of Valmiki's ancient Sanskrit masterpiece. Set for release in November 2026, this film marks the first chapter of a planned two-part series that reimagines the life and trials of Prince Rama of Ayodhya. The project has grown from a trilogy concept announced in 2017 into a focused duology under Tiwari's direction, co-written with Shridhar Raghavan.

The production boasts an all-star ensemble cast featuring Ranbir Kapoor as the titular hero, Yash making his debut in Hindi cinema alongside Sai Pallavi. Other notable appearances include Sunny Deol, Anupam Kher, and Kajal Aggarwal. Hans Zimmer joins forces with A. R. Rahman to compose the score, marking Zimmer's full entry into Indian filmmaking after a brief earlier collaboration. Filming wrapped in mid-2025 at Film City in Mumbai following a rigorous schedule.

With an estimated budget of ₹4,000 crore (US$420 million), this venture aims to be the most expensive Indian film ever made. The scale suggests a grand visual spectacle designed to bring the mythological saga to modern audiences while honoring its deep roots. [edit]

The story opens in the prosperous kingdom of Ayodhya, where King Dasharatha rules with wisdom but faces a personal crisis regarding his lineage. Through a grand ritual performed by the sage Vasishtha, the gods grant Dasharatha four sons: Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna. Among these brothers, Rama stands out immediately not just for his royal blood but for his unwavering commitment to truth and his exceptional martial skills. His character is established early as someone who prioritizes duty over desire, a trait that will define his journey ahead.

The narrative shifts when Sage Vishwamitra arrives in Ayodhya seeking protection from demonic forces disrupting sacred sacrifices. He recruits the young Rama and his brother Lakshmana to accompany him, pulling them away from the safety of the palace. This expedition introduces the audience to the mystical forests and terrifying Asuras that plague the land, setting up the central conflict between cosmic order and chaos. During their travels, the trio encounters Sita, the daughter of King Janaka of Mithila. At her Swayamvara, a ceremony to find a husband, Sita chooses Rama after he effortlessly lifts and breaks the mighty bow of Shiva, a feat no other prince could achieve. This union solidifies the romantic and spiritual core of the film, binding Rama and Sita together in a destiny that transcends mortal boundaries.

Tension mounts with the rise of Ravana, the ten-headed king of Lanka. Portrayed here as a complex antagonist with immense power and a tragic flaw, Ravana covets Sita's beauty and purity, viewing her as a prize to be won or a threat to be eliminated. The film meticulously builds the tension leading up to the exile, driven by the machinations of Kaikeyi, one of Dasharatha's queens. Swayed by past favors and present manipulation, she demands that Rama be exiled for fourteen years and that her son Bharata be crowned king instead. Despite the heartbreak of leaving his father and the kingdom, Rama accepts the decree without hesitation, embodying the ultimate sacrifice required of a dharmic hero. Accompanied by Sita and his loyal brother Lakshmana, Rama enters the Dandaka forest, beginning a harrowing journey that will test their resolve, faith, and love.

As they settle in the forest, the trio faces numerous trials, including attacks from demons like Surpanakha and her allies. These conflicts set the stage for the escalating war between good and evil. The film explores themes of loyalty, duty, and the consequences of human desire, all while showcasing a visual spectacle of mythical beasts, divine interventions, and grand battle sequences. With an estimated budget of ₹4,000 crore (US$420 million), the production aims to bring the mythological saga to life with unprecedented scale, utilizing advanced technology to depict the celestial realms and the chaotic underworld. The narrative arc of Part 1 focuses on the setup of these conflicts, the establishment of Rama's character, and the inevitable confrontation with Ravana, culminating in a cliffhanger that promises a massive resolution in the sequel. The film serves as both a tribute to India's cultural heritage and a cinematic event designed to captivate global audiences with its universal themes of heroism and redemption.[edit]