Ramayana First Look: Ranbir Kapoor Revealed as Rama in Nitesh Tiwari Film

Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, a two-part cinematic franchise, unveils its first glimpse of Rama, with Ranbir Kapoor stepping into the role

Published: April 2, 2026
Updated: April 2, 2026
8:23 am
By: Creators Faire Editorial

APRIL 2, 2026: Ramayana has unveiled its most important chapter yet.

Namit Malhotra, producer, filmmaker and creative architect behind one of the world’s most ambitious cinematic productions RAMAYANA, introduces ‘Rama’; one of the most enduring figures in storytelling, through a dedicated teaser, offering audiences across the world their first look at Ranbir Kapoor as Rama.

A GLOBAL MOMENT : Unveiled globally with equal fanfare, the ‘Rama’ teaser marks a significant moment for audiences worldwide, bringing into focus a figure whose story has endured for over 5,000 years. For those who have grown up with this story, it offers a refreshed perspective. For others, it offers an opportunity to engage with it for the first time at this scale.

A HERO DEFINED BY THE CHOICES HE MADE : Rama represents the kind of hero the world rarely sees anymore. A hero who chooses duty over desire. Who walks away from power when it is right to do so. Who does what is necessary, even when it costs him everything. Revered as Maryada Purushottama – ‘the highest ideal of human conduct’, Rama embodies dignity, compassion, and moral clarity – even in the face of exile, loss, and injustice. That is what makes him timeless.

A STORY RETURNING AT THE RIGHT TIME

The Ramayana is not just a story, it is a living cultural force. Its most defining moment Rama’s return to Ayodhya after victory, is celebrated as Diwali, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness, and good over evil. Celebrated by billions across the world, Diwali is the continued remembrance of this story and what it stands for.

At its heart, the Ramayana is a profoundly human story, where Rama stands for dharma (duty above all), compassion, and selflessness while Ravana’s tragic downfall was driven by immeasurable ego, control, and desire

This contrast between sacrifice and ambition, humility and pride, is what has makes Ramayana one of the most enduring and celebrated epics in human history.

Nitesh Tiwari, Director of Ramayana – the 2 part film franchise

“Ramayana’s greatness lies in its emotional richness. At its heart, it is not just about good and evil, but about choices, consequences, and the weight of doing what is right. Rama’s journey is deeply human and that is what we have tried to stay true to.

Ranbir Kapoor on playing Rama

“I don’t think I’m here to represent Rama. I’m here to learn from him. There is a simplicity and purity to him that is very rare; and trying to understand and imbibe that has been a deeply humbling experience.”

Namit Malhotra, Producer, Film-maker and Creative Architect of Ramayana

“The power of Rama’s story is not in what he conquers, but in what he lets go of. He represents a standard that is not easy, not convenient; but necessary. He chooses duty over desire, truth over comfort, and sacrifice over self. That is why his story has endured for thousands of years, and why it continues to matter today.”

INTERESTING FACTS

• The Ramayana has been retold in over 300 versions across cultures and regions worldwide

• Ayodhya, Rama’s birthplace has emerged as one of the most visited spiritual destinations in the world, with over 135 million visitors recorded in 2024 alone

• The Ram Mandir, inaugurated in 2024, marks a moment of profound cultural significance tied to a centuries-long legacy associated with the birthplace of Rama

• As per media reports over a 1000 temples in USA celebrated Rama Mandir consecration in Ayodhya in 2024

About Prime Focus Studios

Prime Focus Studios, founded by filmmaker and producer Namit Malhotra, finances and produces innovative and compelling content across film, TV, and gaming for global audiences. Leveraging the DNEG Group’s award-winning global capabilities, including soundstages, production facilities, visual effects, feature animation, and more, Prime Focus Studios is a new home to innovative filmmakers and a partner to studios and rights-holders.

About Monster Mind Creations

Founded by Rocking Star Yash, Monster Mind Creations is an independent production house driven by a vision to nurture creative talent and deliver pioneering content that redefines cinematic storytelling. Monster Mind Creations is currently co-producing two event films: “Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups” in collaboration with KVN Productions and “Ramayana” alongside Prime Focus Studios

ABOUT NAMIT MALHOTRA’s RAMAYANA

From visionary producer and film-maker Namit Malhotra comes RAMAYANA: PART 1, a sweeping, two-part cinematic event inspired by one of the world’s most enduring epics.

Since the beginning of time, the Trinity Gods rule the three worlds; Brahma – god who creates; Vishnu – god who protects and Shiva – god who transforms. As the realms of heaven, earth edge toward chaos, the Trinity god Vishnu descends to earth in an avatar to restore balance. This time, Vishnu is reborn as RAMA (Ranbir Kapoor), a human prince destined to restore balance. Opposing him, stands the most formidable, learned, undefeatable and immortal demon king RAVANA (Yash), blessed by the Trinity themselves, driven by pride and a vengeance powerful enough to shatter the cosmos.

Unaware of his true purpose as the only opponent destined to stand up to Ravana in a fateful cosmic design; Rama is the idol of Dharma (duty above all) and the most loved crown prince of Ayodhya, the greatest human dynasty of the time. Rama tries to build a life of quiet honor with his beloved wife Sita (Sai Pallavi) and loyal brother Lakshman (Ravie Dubey) amongst others, until a twist of fate drives him into exile and toward an inevitable clash with Ravana in a reckoning so cataclysmic, it will decide the destiny of gods and mortals.

Ramayana is one of the most ambitious films in the history of Indian cinema, bringing together some of the biggest names in global entertainment to portray characters that have shaped storytelling across generations.

At its core is a landmark casting – Ranbir Kapoor and Yash (also producer on Ramayana)- two of Indian cinema’s most influential and widely followed stars, coming together in opposing roles. Each commanding a massive global fanbase and unparalleled star power. Their pairing marks a rare cinematic moment, bringing together two forces of scale, stature, and cultural impact in a single narrative.

The movie also stars India’s A-list acting talent including – Sai Pallavi (Sita), Sunny Deol (Monkey God Hanuman) , and Ravie Dubey (Lakshamana).

Produced by trailblazing filmmaker Namit Malhotra, helmed by one of India’s most successful award-winning director Nitesh Tiwari, and adapted by award-winning screenwriter Shridhar Raghavan; Ramayana features music by Oscar®-winning composers Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman.

Production design reimagines ancient India at an unprecedented scale, led by Ravi Bansal and Ramsey Avery, while action is helmed by Hollywood’s leading stunt directors Terry Notary and Guy Norris.

Prime Focus Studios, in association with eight-time Academy Award®-winning production and visual effects studio DNEG and Monster Mind Creations, presents NAMIT MALHOTRA’S RAMAYANA: PART 1, the first of a two-part live-action epic based on the ancient writings of the revered Indian poet, Valmiki.

NAMIT MALHOTRA’S RAMAYANA: PART 1 opens in theatres globally this fall during Diwali 2026. PART 2 is currently in production and slated to debut globally during Diwali 2027.