Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Ramayana’ Trailer Ignites Hanuman Jayanti: Inside the $500M Two-Part Epic with Hans Zimmer & A.R. Rahman

Mumbai, India – On the sacred occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, one of the most anticipated Indian films in generations has finally taken its first bow before the world. The makers of Nitesh Tiwari’s “Ramayana” released a spectacular new trailer, gifting audiences their most substantial and visually breathtaking look yet at Ranbir Kapoor stepping into the divine role of Lord Rama.

This is not merely another mythological adaptation. It is a global cinematic event backed by unprecedented scale, talent, and technology.

A Modern Epic Rooted in Ancient Text

Based on Valmiki’s ancient Sanskrit epic, Tiwari’s “Ramayana” is being envisioned as a two-part spectacle. The film is produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in association with DNEG—the eight-time Oscar-winning VFX powerhouse—and Yash’s production outfit, Monster Mind Creations.

Together, the two films carry a staggering budget of approximately $500 million, making it one of the most expensive film productions in world cinema.

Cast of Titans

The ensemble cast is a carefully curated blend of contemporary stars and seasoned veterans:

• Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama

• Sai Pallavi as Sita

• Yash as the demon king Ravana

• Sunny Deol as Hanuman

• Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana

• Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi

• Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari

• Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha

Additionally, Arun Govil, Kunal Kapoor, Adinath Kothare, Sheeba Chaddha, and Indira Krishnan round out the supporting cast.

A Musical Marriage of Legends

In a historic collaboration, the film’s score is being composed by two titans of film music: Hans Zimmer (The Lion King, Dune, Inception) and A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire, Roja).

This marks the first time the two Oscar-winners have co-composed for an Indian mythological epic.

Global Release & IMAX Format

The filmmakers have planned a carefully orchestrated worldwide rollout:

• Part 1 – Diwali 2026

• Part 2 – Diwali 2027

Both parts have been filmed natively for IMAX, promising an immersive theatrical experience that will bring the ancient forests of Dandakaranya and the golden fortress of Lanka to life like never before.

Story Breakdown: Where Part 1 Ends

Tiwari, who previously helmed the highest-grossing Indian film of all time, “Dangal,” follows the core narrative of the Ramayana. The story charts the journey of exiled prince Rama and his devoted wife Sita, whose forest idyll is shattered by her abduction at the hands of the ten-headed Ravana.

Part 1 is expected to culminate with Sita’s abduction—a cliffhanger that will leave audiences waiting with bated breath. Part 2 will then chart Rama’s epic campaign to reclaim his wife, culminating in a war between the forces of righteousness and evil.

Echoes of a Cultural Legacy

The Ramayana has inspired screen adaptations across generations. The most beloved in popular memory remains Ramanand Sagar’s landmark television series (1987–1988), which aired on Doordarshan and drew audiences of hundreds of millions across India, becoming a cultural event of unprecedented scale.

Decades earlier, the story found its way to cinema via Vijay Bhatt’s 1943 devotional film “Ram Rajya” —notably the only film Mahatma Gandhi ever watched. On the international front, a 1993 Japanese-Indian animated co-production, “Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama,” brought the epic to global animation audiences.

What This Means for Indian Cinema

With a $500 million budget, IMAX release, and a global trailer launch on Hanuman Jayanti, “Ramayana” is positioning itself as India’s answer to the Hollywood franchise model. If successful, it could redefine the scale and ambition of Indian mythological storytelling for a new generation.

For now, the trailer has done its job: anticipation is at a fever pitch, and the countdown to Diwali 2026 has officially begun.