What Happened to Ramayana (Nitesh Tiwari's film)?
Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana' is an ambitious two-part Indian mythological epic, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana. Produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Yash's Monster Mind Creations, the film boasts a staggering budget of approximately $500 million (₹4,000 crore) across both parts. Part 1 is slated for a worldwide IMAX release on Diwali 2026, with Part 2 following in Diwali 2027, and a 'Rama glimpse' teaser was officially unveiled on April 2, 2026.
Quick Answer
Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana' is a highly anticipated two-part cinematic epic, currently in production with Part 1 scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release and Part 2 for Diwali 2027. Starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana, the film is being made on an unprecedented budget of approximately $500 million (₹4,000 crore). A 'Rama glimpse' teaser was officially launched on April 2, 2026, generating significant global buzz and showcasing its grand scale and visual ambition.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline11 events
Initial 'Ramayana' Project Announcement
Filmmaker Madhu Mantena, in collaboration with Allu Aravind and Namit Malhotra, initially announced a live-action 'Ramayana' trilogy.
Script Development Update
Madhu Mantena provided an update, stating the script for the 'Ramayana' project would be ready in a couple of months, with an aim to start shooting in September 2023.
Madhu Mantena's Exit and DNEG's Increased Involvement
Reports indicated that Madhu Mantena withdrew as a producer from Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana' due to monetary concerns, with DNEG virtual production stepping in as a key producer.
Filming Commences for Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana'
The production for Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana' officially began with look tests and initial shooting schedules involving Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi.
Brief Production Halt Due to Copyright Issues
Filming was briefly paused due to reported copyright infringement issues and necessary costume adjustments, though production was expected to resume shortly.
Global Title Reveal / First Look
A 'first look' or global title reveal for 'Ramayana' was launched, setting the stage for the two-part cinematic universe and showcasing its ambitious vision.
Budget Confirmed at $500 Million
Producer Namit Malhotra officially confirmed the combined budget for both parts of 'Ramayana' to be approximately $500 million (₹4,000 crore), making it India's most expensive film.
Announcement of 'Rama Glimpse' Teaser Date
Namit Malhotra announced that the next major glimpse of 'Ramayana', titled 'Rama', would be unveiled on April 2, 2026, coinciding with Hanuman Jayanti.
Official Release Dates Confirmed
The official release dates for both parts of 'Ramayana' were confirmed: Part 1 for Diwali 2026 and Part 2 for Diwali 2027, with a worldwide IMAX rollout planned.
Official 'Rama Glimpse' Teaser Release
The official 'Rama glimpse' teaser, featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, was unveiled globally on Hanuman Jayanti, marking the formal start of the film's promotions.
Filming for Part 2 Commences
Reports confirmed that filming for the second part of 'Ramayana' has already begun in Mumbai, indicating simultaneous production for the epic saga.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana' is a monumental two-part cinematic adaptation of the ancient Indian epic, aiming to bring the timeless narrative to a global audience with unprecedented scale and visual effects. The project, helmed by director Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios in association with DNEG and Yash's Monster Mind Creations, has been in development for several years, undergoing meticulous planning and casting.
The ambition behind the film stems from a desire to redefine mythological storytelling on a global stage, leveraging cutting-edge technology and a fresh perspective while maintaining the emotional depth of the original text. Producer Namit Malhotra has openly compared the film's scale to major Hollywood tentpole productions like 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'Avatar'.
A significant turning point for the project occurred around March 2024, when initial co-producer Madhu Mantena reportedly exited due to monetary concerns, leading to DNEG, an eight-time Academy Award-winning VFX studio, taking on a more prominent production role. Filming officially commenced in early 2024, with Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi beginning their shoots. Despite a brief pause in May 2024 due to copyright issues and costume adjustments, production quickly resumed.
The film's colossal budget of approximately $500 million (₹4,000 crore) for both parts, confirmed by Namit Malhotra in July 2025, positions it as India's most expensive film ever, surpassing previous records and placing it among the most costly productions globally. This substantial investment underscores the makers' commitment to delivering a visually stunning and immersive experience. The project also boasts a historic musical collaboration between Oscar-winning composers A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer.
As of April 2, 2026, the film is actively in production, with Part 1 slated for a worldwide IMAX release on Diwali 2026 and Part 2 in Diwali 2027. The highly anticipated 'Rama glimpse' teaser, offering the first official look at Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, was unveiled on April 2, 2026, coinciding with Hanuman Jayanti. This launch, preceded by exclusive screenings in Los Angeles and New York, marks the formal commencement of the film's global promotional campaign, generating immense buzz and setting high expectations for this monumental cinematic event.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Ramayana (Nitesh Tiwari's film) made different choices?