Ranbir Kapoor's Epic 6-Hour 'Ramayana' Film Aims for Global Appeal

The ambitious $500 million production promises a visually stunning adaptation of the ancient Indian epic.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:24am

An extreme close-up of shimmering, textured sequins and shards of reflective glass, creating a high-contrast, abstract visual metaphor for the grandeur and spectacle of the Ramayana film adaptation.The upcoming Ramayana film promises a visually stunning cinematic experience that will captivate audiences worldwide with its epic scale and fusion of traditional Indian and contemporary global storytelling.Victoria Today

The upcoming film adaptation of the Ramayana epic, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, has the industry and fans buzzing with anticipation. With a runtime of six hours, this ambitious $500 million project aims to capture the grandeur and scale of the ancient Indian tale. Lead actor Ranbir Kapoor has likened it to the iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy, promising an immersive and visually stunning cinematic experience.

Why it matters

This adaptation of Ramayana represents a bold and culturally significant undertaking for Indian cinema. With its epic scope, global aspirations, and fusion of traditional and contemporary elements, the film has the potential to introduce this revered story to worldwide audiences and showcase India's rich storytelling heritage on a global stage.

The details

The film boasts a staggering budget of Rs 4,000 crore (approximately $500 million), making it one of the largest productions in the world. Producer Namit Malhotra describes it as "the largest film in the world for the greatest epic." The collaboration between acclaimed composers A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer further enhances the film's appeal and showcases the blending of Indian and international creative talents.

  • The teaser for the film was released last week, generating significant buzz.
  • The film is scheduled for release in 2026.

The players

Nitesh Tiwari

The director of the Ramayana film adaptation, known for his previous critically acclaimed works.

Ranbir Kapoor

The lead actor in the Ramayana film, who has compared the project to the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Namit Malhotra

The producer of the Ramayana film, who has described it as the largest production in the world for the epic.

A.R. Rahman

The renowned Indian composer who is collaborating on the music for the Ramayana film.

Hans Zimmer

The acclaimed international composer who is also collaborating on the music for the Ramayana film.

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