A story rooted in Indian mysticism and spirituality is being reborn on the silver screen. Ramayana, one of India’s most revered epics, is being adapted into a two-part cinematic masterpiece under director Nitesh Tiwari. With a reported Rs 1600 crore budget, global music maestros, and a star-studded cast, this retelling aims to combine reverence for tradition with modern filmmaking brilliance. Here’s a deep dive into why this project is the talk of the nation.
Ramayana Movie 2026-2027: A Shudra Revolution to Realize a New Indic Renaissance (De-colonising the Indian Mind)
A narrative based in Indian mysticism and cultural history is getting a 21st-century film reimagining – and it’s on a scale that’s unprecedented. In the hands of the filmmaker of ‘Dangal’, Nitesh Tiwari, RAMAYAN is certain to be an extravagant cinematic spectacle with an unprecedented thrilling experience. Incredible star cast, music scored by international legends, Hollywood-level production values and a reported production budget of Rs 1600 crore – the two-part magnum opus that is being cited as a game changer of sorts for the Indian film industry is on its way.
So here we are exploring everything about why Ramayana is an extravagance movie.
A Starry-Eyed Reboot of a Legacy
It’s no easy job to bring alive a story treasured by billions over generations. But the creators of Ramayana are doing more than just telling a story – they’re reimagining a timeless epic using modern storytelling devices, and they’re trying to stay true to its spiritual essence.
Placing his feet in the grand shoes of Lord Ram is Ranbir Kapoor who brings dignity, grace and resilience to the character. The characterisation of the king will not just be of a valiant warrior conquering the devil, but a man in love and betrayed who ultimately sacrifices power for the love of his life.
Sai Pallavi, who is always easy on the eyes and with a steady performance, as an emotional-eyed Goddess Sita. Trading on a character with a deep emotional role that captures both spiritual strength and vulnerability, she’ll be at the heart of the film’s emotional burden.
Yash, who has just delivered the big hit with the KGF franchise, is casting as Ravana, who is the ten-headed king of Lanka. Yash turning negative won’t be the stereotyped larger-than-life villain but with shades of grey and moral ambiguity, presenting Ravana not a mere villain but a tragic genius personified.
Sunny Deol becomes a part of the adventure as Hanuman, the epitome of loyalty and strength. His strong screen presence is hoped to bring gravity and authenticity to a role that is pivotal to the second half of the tale.
Ravi Dubey stars as Lakshman, the righteous and fiery younger brother of Ram, with a reputation for his valor, intellect, and spontaneous energy.
A Powerful Supporting Cast
Together, it’s a casting that balances new energy with old talent. But what’s worth to note about Ramayana is a mean supporting cast, mostly are senior veterans:
- Amitabh Bachchan as Jatayu, a selfless vulture who battles Ravana to save Sita
- Anil Kapoor as King Janak, Sita’s father and the embodiment of wisdom
- Arun Govil, the TV Ram of yore, will play the role of King Dasharath, Lord Ram’s father
- Indira Krishnan as Queen Kaushalya, Ram’s mother
- Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, whose time comes to fulfil a life-altering wish
- Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara, the conniving maid who poisons Kaikeyi’s mind
- Adinath Kothare as Bharat, the loyal brother who doesn’t sit on the throne
- Bobby Deol as Kumbhkaran, Ravana’s sleeping but deadly brother
- Vijay Sethupathi as Vibhishan, Ravana’s virtuous brother
- Vikrant Massey as Meghnad, Ravana’s warrior son
- Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha, whose disfigurement sets the conflict in motion
- Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, the wisdomous queen of Ravana and his devoted wife
- Mohit Raina as Shiva, cosmic consciousness
- Kunal Kapoor as Lord Indra, king of heaven
- Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjihva, a lesser-known demon warrior
This is one of those meticulously selected casts with as much range and diversity as it has emotional authenticity, everyone in this ancient text alive and present.
Record-Breaking Actor Salaries
The film’s epic revenue is by no means limited to the sets or even the visual effects, but is carried into the cast’s pay. This will be the first time in his career that Ranbir Kapoor is going to take home Rs 75 crore per part – Rs 150 crore for both parts of Ramayana. This is a threefold hike for the actor, who was charging somewhere between Rs 45 to 50 crore per film.
While Sai Pallavi is known to say yes to only a select number of roles, and she is going to get Rs 6 crore per project and a combined amount of Rs 12 crore for both her Troilist girl characters – as Sita. Her remuneration, which was Rs 2.5-Rs 3 crore till date, has soared by nearly 200 percent.
The salaries are a signal of the film’s ambition and the faith that the creators have in the charm and mettle of its central characters.
A Budget That Rethinks Indian Cinema
Ramayana is not the most expensive Indian film ever. It is one of the most expensive film projects ever made in the world. The package has a total estimated cost of Rs
Global Technical Collaborations
To tell a story of this scale, the filmmakers have certainly enlisted some of the biggest names in world cinema:
- Music: Two Oscar-winning composers for the first time, together. Hans Zimmer (The Lion King, Dune, Inception) teams up with AR Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire, Lagaan, Roja) to unite the world in song. Their combined body of work is set to mix orchestral majesty and cultural substance.
- Stunt and Action Choreography: High-octane action is directed by Terry Notary and Guy Norris. Notary has worked on motion capture for Planet of the Apes and physical acting in Avengers, and Norris worked on high-octane stunts in Mad Max: Fury Road.
- Production Design: The makers are creating the world of Ayodhya, Lanka and forests in a way to make it look realistic while keeping the visual treat alive, which has been brought to life by production designer Ravi Bansal of Aladdin, Dune 2 fame and Ramsey Avery (Captain America, Tomorrowland).
- Visual Effects: The VFX for the film will be taken care of by DNEG, who have won 8 Oscars for movies like Interstellar, Dune and Tenet. This means the film should have top-notch visuals that do justice to its mythological scope.
Storytelling with Integrity and Scale
The director, Nitesh Tiwari, has developed a reputation for telling solid stories with emotional intelligence. Dangal was a universally acclaimed movie that managed to strike a balance between realism and motivation. The last example was Chhichhore, which was a commercial success as well as a film that revolved around the subject of mental health and the struggles of the youth.
Ramayana is Tiwari’s first foray into the mythological genre, but he’s not using any of the theatrical tropes from the genre. The aim is to create an emotionally intelligent, culturally respectful, and visually captivating cinema. His methodology integrates traditional narrative values with the latest technological innovations, bringing the soul of India to the global filmgoer in a language everyone can understand, the language of emotion and spectacle.
IMAX Release and Global Distribution
Ramayana is being shot in IMAX, so you can expect a truly cinematic experience. Both parts are aimed not only at Indian audiences but also at the international audience.
- Part 1: Diwali 2026
- Part 2: Likely Diwali 2027
The date of Diwali is no accident. A festival that represents Ram Rajya and also the victory of light or good over evil – no better day than Diwali for the return of Ram. The celebratory debuts will be designed to be as commercially potent and culturally reverberant as possible.
Conclusion: The Melody for Millenniums
Ramayana is not just another high-budget movie. It is an intersection of India’s ancient spiritual traditions and modern cinematic potential. Each element – the casting, the music, the design – has been carefully curated to make sure that the story that unfolds will not only wow, but make people marvel and reflect.
This is a film meant to be remembered, to be debated, to be handed down, just like the epic it’s depicting. Through its unique expanse, multi-industry involvement, and respectful, yet on-its-toes retelling, Ramayana is ready to make history, both in Indian and global cinema.
Looking at the clock as it ticks down to Diwali 2026, one thing is clear – Ramayana is not going to be just a film that you will watch. It is a journey we will live.
FAQs
What is the budget of the Ramayana movie?
The Ramayana film is being made with a massive budget of Rs 1600 crore – Rs 900 crore for Part 1 and Rs 700 crore for Part 2.
Who are the lead actors in Ramayana?
Ranbir Kapoor stars as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi plays Sita, Yash takes on the role of Ravana, and Sunny Deol plays Hanuman. Ravie Dubey plays Lakshman.
Who is directing the Ramayana film?
Nitesh Tiwari, known for Dangal and Chhichhore, is directing the film.
Who is producing Ramayana?
The film is produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in association with Yash’s Monster Mind Creations and DNEG VFX studio.
When will the Ramayana movie be released?
Part 1 of Ramayana will release on Diwali 2026. Part 2 is expected in Diwali 2027.
What makes the Ramayana movie different from previous adaptations?
This version is a high-budget, globally collaborative retelling with IMAX visuals, international music legends, and a modern cinematic lens while staying culturally grounded.
Reference
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