Published : 03 Sep 2026, 08:45 PM
Updated : 16 Sep 2026, 11:47 AM
Sony Pictures is set to release Nitesh Tiwari’s “Ramayana” in international markets on Nov 6, two days before the big-budget Indian epic opens at home, as its producers step up efforts to turn the film into a global cinematic event.
The first instalment of the planned two-part adaptation will open outside India on Nov 6, while its Indian release is scheduled for Nov 8 to coincide with Diwali, TheWrap reported on Wednesday.
Sony is handling distribution outside India, having joined the project as its international distributor in July. Dharma Productions will lead distribution across Hindi-speaking markets in North India.
Producer Namit Malhotra has said the two-day gap reflects international theatrical release patterns, where major films generally open on Fridays.
“So we are releasing internationally on the 6th of November,” Malhotra told NDTV in August, explaining that the film was targeting its Indian release for Diwali on Nov 8.
The staggered release adds another layer to an unusually aggressive international push for an Indian production.
Ranbir Kapoor stars as Rama, alongside Sai Pallavi as Sita and Kannada star Yash as Ravana. Sunny Deol plays Hanuman and Ravie Dubey portrays Lakshman.
The film is directed by Tiwari, whose credits include “Dangal”, and produced by Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in association with visual-effects company DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations.
Oscar-winning composers AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer have created the music, while DNEG is handling the visual effects.
The two “Ramayana” films have a combined budget of up to $500 million, Reuters reported earlier this year, putting the project among the most expensive productions ever mounted by the Indian film industry.
The filmmakers have been explicit about their ambitions beyond India and the traditional overseas market for Indian cinema.
At CinemaCon in Las Vegas in April, “Ramayana” was promoted alongside major upcoming Hollywood releases as Malhotra and Yash outlined their plans for international audiences.
Malhotra told Reuters the film was “meant for the world”, while Yash said he had tried to make Ravana as human as possible because viewers unfamiliar with the story would need to relate to the character.
Sony’s involvement followed in July, giving the production access to an established international theatrical distribution network.
The film has also received the “Filmed for IMAX” designation, with IMAX listing “Ramayana: Part 1” among its 2026 slate of productions made for the premium format.
The international campaign expanded further in August with the release of an English-language trailer.
Unlike conventional dubbed releases that rely on separate voice performers, members of the principal cast voiced their own English dialogue, including Kapoor as Rama. The trailer was released through Sony Pictures for overseas audiences and carried the Nov 6 international release date.
The production draws on the ancient Sanskrit epic traditionally attributed to Valmiki, telling the story of Rama’s exile and his conflict with Ravana after Sita is abducted.
The second instalment is planned for 2027.
