Ramayana: Part 1 is the most talked-about Indian film of the year. Nitesh Tiwari's big-screen telling of the epic stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, and its music brings together two of the most famous composers in the world: A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer.
The makers have confirmed a worldwide release on Thursday, 5 November 2026, just before Diwali. Here is everything you need to know.
Ramayana Part 1 at a glance
Release date: Thursday, 5 November 2026, worldwide
Director: Nitesh Tiwari
Music: A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer
Producers: Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios, with DNEG and Yash's Monster Mind Creations
Languages: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam
Formats: IMAX and other premium formats
Ramayana Part 2: Diwali 2027
Ramayana cast
1. Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama
2. Sai Pallavi as Sita
3. Yash as Ravana
4. Sunny Deol as Hanuman
5. Ravie Dubey as Lakshman
Ranbir and Yash together on one screen, as hero and villain, is a big reason the film has fans in both the Hindi and South Indian markets.
The music: when Hans Zimmer meets A.R. Rahman
For music lovers, this is the headline. Hans Zimmer, the Oscar-winning composer behind Dune, Interstellar, Gladiator and The Lion King, is working on an Indian film score with A.R. Rahman, India's double Oscar winner for Slumdog Millionaire.
What to expect:
1. A huge orchestral score. Zimmer is known for massive, layered sound designed for IMAX speakers. Battle scenes such as Rama against Ravana are made for that style.
2. Indian melody and devotion. Rahman brings raag-based melodies, choirs and devotional colour, which an epic like the Ramayana needs.
3. Songs that will live beyond the film. Expect bhajan-style tracks and chants that could become part of Diwali and Ram Navami playlists for years.
Watch the film in IMAX or a Dolby-equipped hall if you can. A score built at this scale loses a lot on a phone speaker.
When does advance booking open?
The makers announced that advance booking opens on Dussehra, Tuesday 20 October 2026. Expect IMAX and premium-format shows in big cities to fill first, so book early for the opening weekend.
Why the release date matters
Releasing on 5 November gives the film a long festive run: the weekend before Diwali, then Diwali itself on 8 November, then the holiday week. Mythological films also tend to bring families back to cinemas together, which is exactly what a festival release needs.
Outside India, Sony Pictures is handling the international release, so the film is aimed at audiences in the US, UK, the Gulf, Southeast Asia and beyond, not just the Indian diaspora.
Ramayana Part 2
The story is split into two films. Ramayana Part 2 is planned for Diwali 2027.
Planning a Diwali playlist around the film? Read our Best Diwali Songs 2026 guide at https://mediamarvels.in/blog/best-diwali-songs-2026-playlist and see which songs are trending in India this week at https://mediamarvels.in/trends/india.
Ramayana Part 1: FAQs
When is Ramayana Part 1 releasing?
Thursday, 5 November 2026, worldwide.
Who is the music director of Ramayana?
A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer are composing the music together.
Who plays Ravana in Ramayana?
Yash, the star of the KGF films.
Who plays Sita and Hanuman?
Sai Pallavi plays Sita and Sunny Deol plays Hanuman.
In which languages will Ramayana release?
Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.
When is Ramayana Part 2?
Diwali 2027.
Releasing a devotional song this Diwali season? Get it in front of listeners while the whole country is in a Ramayana mood. Promote your music on Media Marvels at https://mediamarvels.in/promote.
