
First look of Ramayana shows Ranbir, Yash and Sai Pallavi in grand avatars
Ramayana first look out: Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi's magnum opus seems larger than life
The first look of the much-awaited film Ramayana is finally out. Starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Kannada superstar Yash as Ravana, the film promises to be one of the biggest cinematic projects in Indian history. The mythological drama is being directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra. It will be released in two parts—Part 1 during Diwali 2026 and Part 2 during Diwali 2027.
The film is being made for IMAX and aims to be a visual treat for audiences across the world. A three-minute first look video was shared today by the makers, giving fans a glimpse of the grandeur, powerful visuals, and deep storylines involved in this ambitious project. With a background score composed by AR Rahman and music by Oscar winner Hans Zimmer, Ramayana is already being called a magnum opus.
The story is based on the timeless Indian epic and is set around 5,000 years ago. The first look explains the larger plot and gives an idea of what to expect. According to the makers, the universe in the story is balanced by three cosmic powers—Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Protector, and Shiva the Destroyer. Together, they maintain peace between gods, humans, sages, and demons.
But this balance is destroyed when a unique demon child is born. This child later becomes Ravana, the most feared and unbeatable king the world has ever seen. His mission is to destroy Vishnu, who he believes has always worked against his race. To stop Ravana, Vishnu takes a human form and is born as a mortal prince named Rama. This sets the stage for the great battle between good and evil.
Star cast and music
The film features some of the biggest names in Indian cinema. Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Rama, bringing strength and grace to the role. Yash plays the mighty Ravana, known for his power and intelligence. Sai Pallavi, a National Award-winning actress, will portray Goddess Sita, Rama’s wife.
Sunny Deol, known for his strong screen presence, will appear as Lord Hanuman, the devoted monkey god and warrior. TV actor Ravie Dubey will make his film debut as Lakshman, Rama’s younger brother who is always by his side.
What makes this project even more special is the collaboration between two music legends—AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer. This is the first time they are working together, and their music is expected to give Ramayana a global appeal. Zimmer is known for creating music for international hits like The Lion King and Inception, while AR Rahman is loved worldwide for his work in Slumdog Millionaire and many Indian films.
The movie is being created with top-level visual effects. It is backed by DNEG, a VFX studio that has won eight Oscars. The film is also being produced by Prime Focus Studios and Yash’s company, Monster Mind Creations.
The use of IMAX cameras means audiences can expect breathtaking visuals and larger-than-life scenes that will look amazing on the big screen. From grand palaces to intense battle sequences, the visuals are expected to match international standards.
Worldwide release plan
Ramayana is being made for a global audience. It will be released in several languages and across many countries. The makers believe the story of Ramayana is not only important to Indians but also to millions of people across the world who follow the teachings of Lord Rama.
The first part of the movie will release in Diwali 2026, while the second part will hit theatres in Diwali 2027. This gives the team enough time to perfect the effects, music, and editing needed for such a big-budget film.
The makers say they want to show the deeper message of Ramayana—the victory of good over evil and the power of truth and dharma (righteousness). While the story is ancient, it still holds great meaning in today’s world.
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So far, the reactions to the first look have been very positive. Fans are excited to see Ranbir Kapoor in a new kind of role and are also curious about Yash’s powerful character. The casting, music, and visuals have made audiences even more eager to watch this film on the big screen.
As we wait for Diwali 2026, one thing is clear: Ramayana is not just a film. It is a grand experience that aims to celebrate Indian culture, tradition, and storytelling on a world-class platform. With a powerful cast, rich visuals, and meaningful storytelling, Ramayana could be one of the most talked-about movies of the decade.