The upcoming Ramayana starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash has received another boost in anticipation after a special 15-minute preview was reportedly screened for exhibitors and industry professionals at the Big Cine Expo 2026 in Chennai. The footage was not released publicly and reportedly contained several visuals that audiences have not seen in the promotional material so far.
According to reports, the exclusive presentation was held during the exhibition event in Chennai on August 18 and 19. The preview reportedly included newly revealed creatures and sequences from the film. Exhibitors who attended the screening spoke positively about the scale of the visual effects and the overall presentation.
One of the most discussed aspects of the preview was the film's visual effects. Reports said the footage featured creatures including a one-eyed daitya and a bear-like character. The presentation reportedly gave exhibitors an opportunity to see how the filmmakers have created the larger-than-life world of the epic on screen.
The VFX reportedly received particular appreciation from those who attended the screening. Some exhibitors compared the visual quality and scale with Hollywood's The Lord of the Rings franchise. Such comparisons have increased interest in the film because Ramayana is being positioned as a large-scale Indian cinematic adaptation designed to appeal to audiences beyond the domestic market.
The makers reportedly maintained strict security during the special preview. Attendees were not allowed to use mobile phones or record any portion of the presentation. The restrictions were intended to prevent unreleased footage from circulating online before the official promotional campaign and theatrical release.
Ramayana is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. The film also has a large ensemble cast, including Sunny Deol. It is being developed as a two-part cinematic project, adding to the scale and expectations surrounding the production.
The film has been attracting attention not only because of its star cast but also because of its technical ambitions. Producer Namit Malhotra and the creative team have repeatedly emphasized the international scale of the project. The involvement of major visual-effects talent has further contributed to expectations around the film's presentation.
Earlier, the film's first-look material had already generated considerable interest among audiences. Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra have also been involved in promotional events connected with the project. A public first-look presentation was previously planned at San Diego Comic-Con, highlighting the makers' efforts to present the film to a global audience.
The latest exhibitor preview has now added another layer to the growing buzz. Unlike a regular trailer or teaser, the 15-minute screening reportedly gave exhibitors a longer look at the film's world, characters, creatures and visual effects. This is particularly important for theatre owners because the scale of a film's visuals and storytelling can influence audience interest and theatrical expectations.
However, the reactions to the preview are based on reports and comments from people who attended the private screening. The full footage has not been made publicly available, so audiences will have to wait for the official promotional material to understand the final visual presentation of the film.
Ramayana is expected to be one of the major Indian theatrical releases of 2026. The combination of a well-known epic story, Ranbir Kapoor and Yash in major roles, Nitesh Tiwari's direction and extensive visual-effects work has created significant anticipation.
The reported response from exhibitors could strengthen that anticipation further. If the final film delivers the same level of visual scale and technical quality described by those who attended the preview, Ramayana could become an important milestone for large-scale Indian filmmaking.
For now, the 15-minute footage remains exclusive to the industry audience that attended the special screening. The makers are expected to reveal more material as the theatrical release approaches. Until then, the reported praise for the VFX and the comparison with major Hollywood fantasy productions are likely to keep Ramayana among the most discussed upcoming Indian films.