Sony Pictures Entertainment has released the official trailer for Ramayana, Namit Malhotra’s ambitious two-part cinematic retelling of the ancient Sanskrit epic. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari (Dangal, Chhichhore), the film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. It is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release during Diwali 2026 (November 2026), with Part 2 following in 2027.
Two Paths: Dharma Versus Revenge
The four-minute trailer sets up the central conflict with striking clarity. It opens on a powerful, commanding Ravana (Yash) declaring himself the new king, asserting dominion over the heavens, earth, and netherworld. A divine voice frames the stakes: whenever the universe faces a severe threat, Lord Vishnu takes an avatar to protect it. That avatar is Rama (Ranbir Kapoor).
Key moments from the epic unfold with grandeur and emotion. Rama accepts 14 years of exile to honor his father’s word. Sita (Sai Pallavi) affirms that their fates are forever intertwined and that she will accept whatever lies ahead. The confrontation with Surpanakha (Rakul Preet Singh) escalates Ravana’s thirst for revenge. Rama vows to bring Sita back. The trailer crystallizes the opposing forces with simple, powerful text: “Two paths. Ravana – Ruled by Revenge. Rama – Born to Protect. And between them the greatest story of all mankind was written.”
The scale is unmistakable—sweeping landscapes, mythical armies, intense confrontations, and high production values designed for IMAX. VFX come from DNEG, the eight-time Academy Award-winning studio. Music is a landmark collaboration between A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer, with lyrics by Kumar Vishwas.
A Star-Studded Ensemble and Massive Ambition
Beyond the leads, the cast includes Arun Govil as King Dasharatha, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, and others in key supporting roles. Yash also serves as co-producer through Monster Mind Creations. The film is presented by Prime Focus Studios in association with Monster Mind Creations, with global distribution by Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Produced on a reported budget that positions it among the most expensive Indian films ever made (combined with Part 2), Ramayana aims to present the epic with reverence and on a scale comparable to major Hollywood spectacles. Filmed for IMAX, it seeks to introduce India’s foundational story of dharma, duty, sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil to a worldwide audience under the banner “Our Truth. Our History.”
Why the Trailer Matters
Early reactions highlight the visual grandeur, the score, and especially Yash’s imposing presence as Ravana, which many viewers found particularly magnetic.
The absence of a full Hanuman glimpse in this trailer has been noted by fans, building further anticipation for future material. Regardless of individual casting opinions, the trailer signals a serious attempt to mount the Ramayana as a true global cinematic event.
