The much-anticipated mythological film Ramayana Part 1, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, has released in theatres on November 5, 2026, coinciding with Diwali. Featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana, the film brings one of India's most celebrated epics to the big screen through an ambitious cinematic production.
The film has generated considerable interest among audiences because of its leading cast, visual presentation and musical collaboration between Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman. Advance bookings were reportedly receiving a strong response ahead of the theatrical release. The production has also attracted attention for its large-scale presentation and reported use of IMAX cameras.
Ramayana Part 1 arrives in theatres
Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana Part 1 has reached cinemas after an extensive promotional campaign and significant anticipation among film audiences. The story draws from the traditional Indian epic, which has remained an important part of the country's cultural and literary heritage for generations.
The film features Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash in its leading roles. Their casting has been one of the most discussed aspects of the production. The movie reportedly has a runtime of three hours and 15 minutes and has received a U certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification without cuts, according to the supplied release information.
The makers have aimed to present the epic through modern cinematic technology while retaining the emotional and cultural importance of its central characters. Its theatrical release during Diwali has added to the attention surrounding the film.
Early reviews praise visuals and performances
Early reviews of Ramayana Part 1 have highlighted its visual presentation, musical score and performances. Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Lord Ram has received positive comments from viewers who praised his restrained acting, expressions and emotional presentation.
Sai Pallavi's performance as Sita has also attracted appreciation. Yash's portrayal of Ravana is another major talking point among audiences and film enthusiasts.
The film's visual effects are among its most discussed features. Several sequences have been praised for their scale and cinematic presentation. The Jatayu sequence, in particular, has emerged as one of the major highlights mentioned in early reviews.
However, some reviews have suggested that the storytelling does not always maintain the same impact as the film's impressive visual presentation. The overall response indicates that the film's spectacle and performances are important strengths, while narrative consistency remains a point of discussion.
Jatayu sequence becomes a major highlight
One of the memorable sequences discussed in the early reactions is the encounter involving Ravana and Jatayu.
Jatayu holds an important place in the Ramayana because of the character's attempt to protect Sita. The episode represents courage and sacrifice within the larger story.
The film's presentation of this sequence has attracted attention for its emotional impact and visual execution. Yash also reportedly spoke about his son's reaction after watching the scene in which Ravana battles Jatayu. According to the actor, his son was upset by seeing his father defeat the bird character.
Yash's comments have added a personal dimension to the discussion surrounding the sequence and highlighted how the film's story can connect with younger viewers.
Post-credit scene introduces Lord Hanuman
Another major talking point is the post-credit sequence introducing Lord Hanuman. The scene reportedly offers the first glimpse of the character, although his face remains hidden.
The sequence shows Hanuman making a powerful entrance accompanied by dramatic background music. It concludes with a wide shot of him moving through the air while chanting the name of Lord Ram.
The scene has generated interest among viewers because it provides an indication of the character's importance in the larger cinematic story. The introduction has also encouraged discussion about how the makers may develop the character in the next instalment.
Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman contribute to the music
The musical collaboration between Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman is another major attraction of Ramayana Part 1.
Both composers are internationally recognised for their work in film music. Their involvement has brought additional attention to the project, which aims to present the Indian epic to audiences beyond the country.
The background score supports the film's emotional scenes and large-scale sequences. Music plays an important role in mythological storytelling, helping establish the atmosphere and strengthen the impact of important events.
Producer Namit Malhotra has also spoken about the ambition behind the production. He described the opportunity to present the Ramayana to a global audience as a significant moment in his career and expressed gratitude to the filmmakers and artists who contributed to the project.
Casting director Mukesh Chhabra receives appreciation
Casting director Mukesh Chhabra has received praise for his casting decisions in the film.
Several viewers and celebrities have appreciated the selection of actors for important characters. Musician Badshah publicly praised the casting, highlighting Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman as particularly effective choices.
Chhabra also shared his positive reaction after watching the film. He described the production as an impressive cinematic experience and encouraged audiences to watch it.
Casting is especially important in a mythological film based on characters that are familiar to generations of viewers. The actors' appearance, performances and interpretation of these roles can influence how audiences respond to the adaptation.
Kunal Kapoor praises Ranbir Kapoor
Actor Kunal Kapoor, who plays Indra Dev in the film, has praised Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Lord Ram.
In an interview, Kunal described Ranbir as an actor capable of communicating emotions through subtle expressions and controlled performances. He explained that the role of Lord Ram requires restraint, grace and emotional depth rather than exaggerated acting.
Kunal also spoke about the atmosphere on the film's sets. He described the working experience as unusually calm and almost meditative, explaining that the cast and crew understood the cultural importance of the story they were bringing to the screen.
His comments have added to the discussion surrounding the performances and the creative approach taken by the production team.
Ramayana Part 2 postponed to Diwali 2028
Producer Namit Malhotra has confirmed that Ramayana Part 2 has been postponed to Diwali 2028. The second instalment was previously expected to arrive earlier, but the production team has decided to take additional time.
Malhotra explained that a project of this scale requires considerable preparation and production work. He said the team wants to give the concluding part of the story the time needed to achieve its intended quality rather than rush the process.
He has also indicated that the possibility of a third instalment cannot be completely ruled out. However, the immediate focus remains on completing the second part of the planned cinematic presentation.
The postponement means audiences will have to wait longer for the continuation of the story. The makers believe that additional production time will help them deliver the next instalment with the same level of ambition.
Bombay High Court grants protection against piracy
The film has also received legal protection against online piracy. The Bombay High Court reportedly granted a dynamic ad-interim injunction to prevent unauthorised recording, uploading, streaming and distribution of the movie.
The order applies to unidentified individuals and digital platforms involved in copyright infringement. It was issued following a legal petition filed by Godpower Media Private Limited, which holds the film's relevant copyright and exploitation rights, according to the supplied report.
The legal action seeks to protect the film's script, characters, footage, lyrics and audio recordings from unauthorised use.
Such protection is important for major theatrical releases because illegal recordings and online distribution can affect the commercial interests of filmmakers and production companies.
JioHotstar to offer the film through pay-per-view
Ramayana Part 1 is also expected to become available through an on-demand purchase arrangement on JioHotstar following its theatrical run.
According to the supplied information, the agreement between JioHotstar and Prime Focus Studios will allow viewers in India to purchase the film separately instead of accessing it through a regular subscription.
The companies have described the arrangement as a new pay-per-view offering for the platform. The film is also expected to be available in the highest picture quality supported by viewers' devices.
The digital availability is intended to extend the film's reach beyond theatres and provide audiences with another way to watch the production.
Celebrity reactions and industry support
Several members of the Indian film industry have expressed support for the Ramayana team.
Film director Pawan Wadeyar congratulated Yash and praised his portrayal of Ravana. He also shared a message from a friend in the United States who expressed excitement about the film's release and appreciated Yash's performance.
Producer SS Karthikeya also praised the ambition of the project. He appreciated director Nitesh Tiwari, producer Namit Malhotra and the leading cast for bringing together Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman for the musical presentation.
These reactions reflect the attention the film has received within the Indian film industry, particularly because of its scale and international creative collaboration.
Overall expectations for Ramayana Part 1
Ramayana Part 1 has entered theatres with considerable expectations because of its subject, leading cast and ambitious production. Early reviews have highlighted its visuals, music, performances and Jatayu sequence as major strengths.
Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash remain at the centre of audience discussions, while the post-credit introduction of Lord Hanuman has generated interest in the next stage of the story.
The film's long runtime and occasional weaknesses in storytelling may influence individual audience reactions. Nevertheless, its theatrical presentation and large-scale production have made it one of the major Indian cinema releases attracting attention during Diwali 2026.
With the second instalment now scheduled for Diwali 2028, audiences will be watching the first part closely to understand how the filmmakers have adapted the epic and developed its central characters.
