New Delhi, November 5, 2026: Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor’s highly anticipated mythological film Ramayana: Part One has released in cinemas worldwide today, November 5. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film brings the ancient Indian epic to the big screen with an ensemble cast including Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol and Ravie Dubey.
As the film arrives in theatres, Ranbir has opened up about the emotional pressure, self-doubt and responsibility he experienced while portraying Lord Rama, one of the most revered figures in Hindu tradition.
Ramayana: Part One Hits Theatres Worldwide
The first instalment of Ramayana officially opened in cinemas on Thursday, November 5, 2026, ahead of the Diwali festival.
The film is one of India’s most ambitious cinematic adaptations of the epic and has been developed for audiences across multiple languages.
Produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in association with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, the project combines large-scale filmmaking, visual effects and an international creative team.
The film is being screened in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and English, including premium theatrical formats.
Ranbir Kapoor Reveals His Biggest Fear About Playing Lord Rama
In a recent conversation with BBC Asian Network, Ranbir Kapoor admitted that he initially struggled with fear and insecurity when offered the role of Lord Rama.
The actor revealed that he questioned whether he was too old for the character and whether he could meet the expectations of audiences.
He described the opportunity as a major responsibility, particularly because Lord Rama holds immense religious and cultural significance.
Ranbir said that the challenge was not simply delivering a convincing performance but also respecting the beliefs and emotional connection of millions of people.
Actor Says There Is Little Creative Freedom in Mythological Roles
Ranbir explained that portraying a figure from a revered ancient text is different from playing characters in contemporary films.
He compared his experience with previous projects such as Animal and Brahmāstra, where actors had greater flexibility to interpret fictional personalities.
For Ramayana, he believed the performance needed to remain faithful to the source material.
The actor said that concentrating too much on audience expectations could interfere with the emotional honesty of the performance.
He therefore tried to approach the character with devotion, simplicity and confidence in the story.
Ranbir Kapoor Wanted to Show Rama’s Human Emotions
Another important challenge was portraying Lord Rama in a manner that audiences could connect with emotionally.
Ranbir said that mythological characters should not appear distant or inaccessible simply because they are revered.
He wanted to communicate Rama’s compassion, personal struggles, vulnerability and moral responsibilities.
The actor also spoke about becoming conscious of his appearance, body language and mannerisms while playing the character.
He eventually concluded that maintaining emotional authenticity was more important than making the performance unnecessarily grand.
Sai Pallavi Discusses Her Role as Sita
Sai Pallavi, who portrays Sita, also reflected on the responsibility of bringing a revered character to the screen.
During the same BBC Asian Network conversation, she said her spiritual upbringing influenced her preparation for the film.
Rather than approaching Sita as an ordinary fictional role, she viewed the performance as a personal learning experience.
The actress explained that she wanted to approach the character with humility and faith.
Her comments highlighted the different emotional and creative considerations involved in adapting religious and cultural narratives for cinema.
Star-Studded Cast Brings Epic Characters to Life
Ramayana: Part One features several prominent Indian actors in major roles.
The principal cast includes:
- Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama
- Sai Pallavi as Sita
- Yash as Ravana
- Sunny Deol as Hanuman
- Ravie Dubey as Lakshman
The film also features other performers portraying important characters from the epic.
The casting has attracted considerable attention because of the cultural significance of the story and the popularity of its leading actors.
Nitesh Tiwari Directs Ambitious Mythological Adaptation
Director Nitesh Tiwari, known for films including Dangal and Chhichhore, has taken on the responsibility of adapting the Ramayana for a contemporary global audience.
The production aims to balance traditional storytelling with modern cinematic techniques.
The filmmakers have emphasised the importance of retaining the emotional and cultural foundations of the epic while creating a large-scale theatrical experience.
The film is conceived as the first instalment of a larger cinematic adaptation.
Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman Join Forces for Music
One of the project’s most notable creative collaborations is between Academy Award-winning composers Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman.
Their involvement has added an international dimension to the production.
The music is intended to complement the film’s emotional storytelling, dramatic sequences and large-scale visuals.
The collaboration brings together two composers with extensive experience in international and Indian cinema.
International Visual Effects Team Works on Film
The film’s visual effects have been developed with the involvement of DNEG, the internationally recognised visual effects company associated with numerous major Hollywood productions.
The extensive visual effects work is central to depicting the landscapes, battles and mythological elements of the story.
Prime Focus Studios has also highlighted the use of modern filmmaking technology and premium theatrical presentation.
The project represents a major investment in bringing an Indian epic to international cinema audiences.
Ramayana Receives Early Audience and Critical Attention
The release has generated considerable interest among cinema audiences, reviewers and entertainment industry observers.
Early reviews published on November 5 have discussed the performances, visual presentation and scale of the adaptation.
Trade publications are also monitoring ticket sales and theatrical attendance during the opening day.
However, final opening-day box-office collections will only be available after the day’s screenings and trade estimates are compiled.
Ramayana: Part Two Planned for 2028
The filmmakers originally planned Ramayana as a two-part cinematic adaptation.
In a recent update, producer Namit Malhotra indicated that the second instalment is now planned for 2028, rather than the previously announced 2027 release window.
He also discussed the possibility of expanding the project into a trilogy, depending on storytelling requirements and the response to the first film.
A final plan for any additional instalment has not been confirmed.
Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana Marks Major Career Milestone
For Ranbir Kapoor, portraying Lord Rama represents a significant departure from many of his previous film roles.
The actor’s comments reveal the preparation and emotional responsibility involved in representing a character deeply connected to India’s cultural and religious heritage.
With Ramayana: Part One now playing in theatres, attention will turn to audience reception, critical reviews and its commercial performance during the festive period.
The release marks a significant moment for contemporary Indian mythological cinema and one of the most closely watched projects of Ranbir Kapoor’s career.
Source: The Indian Express, BBC Asian Network, Prime Focus Studios, India Today, November 5, 2026
Supreme News Network
