Divine Timing: First Glimpse of Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’ Unveiled on Hanuman Jayanti with Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama

Mumbai, April 2, 2026 — On the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, the makers of the most ambitious mythological film in Indian cinema history have released the first official glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama. This sacred timing adds profound spiritual significance to the launch of Nitesh Tiwari’s two-part epic Ramayana, which aims to bring the timeless tale of Maryada Purushottam to global audiences with unprecedented scale and reverence.

Producer Namit Malhotra of Prime Focus Studios had teased the reveal on Ram Navami, announcing that the next glimpse — titled ‘Rama’ — would be shared worldwide on April 2, 2026, coinciding with Hanuman Jayanti. The first footage was earlier screened to a select audience at an IMAX event in Los Angeles, where it received rave reactions for its breathtaking visuals and Ranbir Kapoor’s graceful portrayal of Lord Rama.

A Grand Reimagining for the World

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari (known for Dangal and Chhichhore), the film is envisioned as a two-part cinematic spectacle, filmed specifically for IMAX screens. It promises to reimagine the ancient epic with groundbreaking visual effects led by the eight-time Academy Award-winning studio DNEG in association with ONEg (or ReDefine) and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations.

Part 1 is scheduled for a grand worldwide theatrical release on Diwali 2026 (with some reports mentioning November 8, 2026 as a potential date), while Part 2 will follow on Diwali 2027. The project features a never-before-seen collaboration between music legends Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman, with lyrics by poet Kumar Vishwas.

Star-Studded Cast Bringing the Epic to Life

The film boasts a powerful ensemble cast chosen to embody the divine characters:

• Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama — Bringing depth, grace, and dignity to the ideal son, husband, and king.
• Sai Pallavi as Sita — Expected to portray the epitome of purity, strength, and devotion.
• Sunny Deol as Hanuman — The mighty devotee whose role is anticipated to be a highlight, especially on Hanuman Jayanti.
• Yash as Ravana — The formidable king of Lanka, promising a powerful antagonistic presence.
• Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana.

Other key roles are being finalised, with reports suggesting a mix of established stars and fresh talent to honour the epic’s vast canvas.

Ranbir’s Personal Connection to the Role

Ranbir Kapoor has spoken about how fatherhood — after the birth of his daughter Raha with wife Alia Bhatt — transformed his perspective and deepened his understanding of dharma, responsibility, and sacrifice. He embraced the role of Lord Rama with renewed spiritual awareness. Alia Bhatt, who has seen early footage, described the film as “out-of-this-world” and expressed immense pride in her husband’s performance.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh, who attended an early screening, praised Ranbir’s portrayal as “graceful and majestic” and lauded the stunning visuals, predicting that the film could become Indian cinema’s biggest global hit.

A Cinematic Milestone

Action choreography is being handled by international experts Terry Notary (Planet of the Apes, Avengers) and Guy Norris (Mad Max: Fury Road). Production design draws talent from major Hollywood projects to recreate the grandeur of ancient Ayodhya, Lanka, and the forests of exile.

The film is positioned not just as an Indian mythological spectacle but as a universal story of dharma, devotion, love, and the triumph of good over evil — crafted to resonate with audiences across cultures.

As the first glimpse drops today on Hanuman Jayanti, devotees and cinegoers alike are expressing excitement and devotion. Social media is abuzz with hashtags like #RamayanaFirstGlimpse, #RanbirAsRama, and #JaiShriRam, with fans hailing the divine coincidence of the launch date.

This grand world reveal marks the beginning of what promises to be a landmark journey for Indian cinema — one that honours our sanatan heritage while setting new benchmarks in storytelling and technology.

Jai Shri Ram! Jai Hanuman!