Indian cinema is gearing up for one of its most ambitious projects ever — a grand retelling of the timeless epic, Ramayana. Directed by the acclaimed Nitesh Tiwari, and featuring a stellar cast led by Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi, this magnum opus promises to transport audiences into the heart of one of the greatest tales ever told. Today, July 3, 2025, marks a significant milestone in this journey as the first glimpse of Ramayana is set to be unveiled across nine major cities in India. Here’s a detailed look at what makes this project so special, and what fans can expect from this highly anticipated film.
A Pan-India Glimpse Event
In a unique and grand gesture befitting the scale of the project, the title glimpse of Ramayana will be launched simultaneously in nine major Indian cities: Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Pune, Kochi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad (at the iconic Prasads Multiplex). This move ensures that the excitement surrounding the film resonates across the country, uniting fans in anticipation of what promises to be a visual spectacle.
While the event is creating a buzz nationwide, it is worth noting that most of the lead cast is unlikely to attend the unveilings. Ranbir Kapoor is currently in London with his wife Alia Bhatt and mother Neetu Kapoor, and Yash, who plays Ravana, is also vacationing abroad. Nonetheless, the energy and excitement remain high as fans await this cinematic moment.
An Epic Cast for an Epic Story
At the heart of Ramayana is its remarkable ensemble cast. Ranbir Kapoor steps into the role of Lord Ram, a part that many are already calling the most significant of his career. Kapoor, known for his dedication and versatility, recently wrapped filming and was seen in an emotional video thanking the entire cast and crew for their hard work and support throughout this monumental project.
Joining him is Sai Pallavi, who portrays Sita. Pallavi’s grace and emotional depth make her an inspired choice for the role, and fans are eager to see her bring Sita’s strength and compassion to life on the big screen.
Yash, widely admired for his powerful performances, takes on the complex role of Ravana. His portrayal promises to bring new layers to this iconic character, blending menace and depth in equal measure.
The film also features Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi — rounding out a star-studded lineup that adds weight and excitement to the project.
A Monumental Budget and Vision
Ramayana is not just another big-budget Bollywood film — it is a cinematic undertaking of historic proportions. With an estimated production cost of ₹835 crore, the film has surpassed the budgets of other recent blockbusters such as Kalki 2898 AD (₹600 crore), RRR (₹550 crore), and Adipurush (₹550 crore). This investment reflects the scale and ambition of the project, as well as the team’s commitment to doing justice to this sacred tale.
Behind the scenes, Ramayana is backed by visionary producer Namit Malhotra, Founder and Global CEO of Prime Focus Studios. The film’s VFX is being handled by Oscar-winning studio DNEG, ensuring that the visual effects match the grandeur and spiritual depth of the story. The goal is clear — to create a film that not only honours the soul of the original epic but also resonates with global audiences through cutting-edge cinematic technology.
A Two-Part Epic for the Ages
Ramayana will be released in two parts, with the first part scheduled for Diwali 2026 and the second part expected during Diwali 2027. This two-part structure allows the filmmakers to do full justice to the scope of the story, delving deep into the characters, their journeys, and the moral dilemmas that make the Ramayana timeless.
Filming for the first part is now complete, and shooting for the second part is set to begin in August 2025. This staggered approach allows the team to maintain the highest levels of quality and detail, ensuring that each frame contributes to the overall vision of the project.
The First Glimpse: What We Know
While the official title glimpse is being unveiled today, a select group of industry insiders has already had the privilege of viewing it. Among them was trade analyst Taran Adarsh, who shared his impressions on social media. His verdict? The glimpse left him “awestruck,” and he described Ramayana as a film that is “not just for today, but for generations to come.”
Adarsh revealed that the first glimpse is three minutes long, offering fans a taste of the epic’s scale, visual style, and emotional intensity. He also mentioned a separate seven-minute vision showreel, which gives deeper insight into the making of the film. This showreel, however, will be shared closer to the film’s release.
Why Ramayana Is More Than Just a Film
What makes Ramayana so special is its universal appeal. The epic has been a cornerstone of Indian culture and philosophy for centuries, with its themes of duty, honour, love, and sacrifice resonating across generations. In today’s age of global cinema, Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana aims to present this timeless tale to both Indian and international audiences, blending the ancient with the modern.
The director, known for his sensitive storytelling and cinematic craft (Dangal, Chhichhore), brings both reverence and innovation to the project. His vision is supported by a team of top-tier technicians, artists, and performers, all united in their mission to create a film that will stand the test of time.
The Road Ahead
As the first glimpse of Ramayana reaches audiences today, excitement is sure to build in the months leading up to its release. The team has set the stage for what could be one of the most defining spectacles in Indian cinema, combining emotion, mythology, and technology on a scale rarely seen before.
With Diwali 2026 as the target release date for the first part, fans have much to look forward to — from teasers and trailers to music launches and behind-the-scenes reveals. And as anticipation grows, one thing is clear: Ramayana is not just a film; it is an event, a celebration of India’s rich storytelling tradition, and a cinematic gift for generations.
Final Thoughts
The unveiling of the first glimpse of Ramayana marks the beginning of what promises to be an incredible journey. With its grand vision, stellar cast, and dedication to honouring the spirit of the original tale, this film has the potential to become a landmark in Indian and global cinema. As audiences across nine cities witness the first look today, the legend of Ram, Sita, and Ravana is set to come alive once again — this time on the biggest stage of all.
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