The wait is finally over. In the early hours of July 30, 2026, during the auspicious Brahma Muhurat, the makers of Ramayana: Part 1 unveiled the film’s first full-length trailer, giving audiences their biggest look yet at Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious two-part adaptation of the Indian epic.
Released simultaneously in Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam, the nearly four-minute trailer showcases the world of Ayodhya, the exile of Ram, Sita’s abduction, and the growing conflict between Ram and Ravana.
With Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana, the film has quickly become one of the most anticipated Indian releases of 2026.
What Happens in the Ramayana Trailer?
The trailer opens with Yash’s Ravana establishing his dominance over Lanka and proclaiming his power across the three worlds. From there, the story shifts toward Ram’s journey and the events that eventually lead to the great conflict.
The trailer features several major moments from the epic, including:
- Ram’s early life in Ayodhya
- His royal life before exile
- Kaikeyi’s demand for Ram’s 14-year exile
- Ram, Sita, and Lakshman’s life in the forest
- The Surpanakha episode
- The growing conflict between Ayodhya and Lanka
- Sita Haran and her abduction by Ravana
The trailer ends just as the story begins moving toward the eventual confrontation between Ram and Ravana, leaving the major rescue mission and climactic war for the second part.
Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram
Ranbir Kapoor takes on the role of Lord Ram, marking one of the biggest transformations of his career.
The trailer presents Ram as calm, composed, and restrained, particularly during his time in Ayodhya and later during his exile. His relationship with Sita and Lakshman also receives significant attention.
While many viewers have praised Kapoor’s appearance and overall presentation, some reactions have suggested that they would like to see even greater emotional intensity from the character in future promotional material.
Sai Pallavi as Sita
Sai Pallavi plays Sita, bringing a gentle and emotional presence to the character.
Her scenes with Ranbir Kapoor are among the more emotional moments shown in the trailer, particularly during their life in exile. The trailer also sets up the devastating events surrounding Sita’s abduction, which ultimately become a major turning point in the story.
Yash as Ravana Steals the Spotlight
If one performance is already generating enormous attention, it is Yash as Ravana.
The actor appears in a powerful and commanding avatar, with the trailer portraying Ravana as an intimidating ruler of Lanka. His screen presence has become one of the biggest talking points following the trailer’s release.
Yash’s casting had generated significant interest even before the trailer arrived, and the first full-length footage gives audiences their clearest look yet at his interpretation of the legendary antagonist.
Ramayana Cast
The film features a large ensemble cast:
- Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram
- Sai Pallavi as Sita
- Yash as Ravana
- Ravi Dubey as Lakshman
- Sunny Deol as Hanuman
- Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi
- Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha
- Arvind Govil as King Dashrath
- Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari
The combination of established Bollywood, South Indian, and television actors has added to the anticipation surrounding the film.
The Massive Scale of Ramayana
Ramayana is being positioned as one of the most ambitious Indian productions ever attempted.
The combined budget for the two-part project has been reported at around ₹4,000 crore, making it one of the most expensive Indian film projects in history.
The film is directed by Nitesh Tiwari, known for films such as Dangal and Chhichhore.
The project is being produced by Namit Malhotra, whose Prime Focus/DNEG has worked on major international productions and blockbuster visual-effects projects.
The film’s music also brings together two major names: Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman, creating an unusual collaboration between Indian and international musical talent.
The movie has also been developed with an IMAX presentation in mind, reflecting the scale of the filmmakers’ vision.
When Does Ramayana Part 1 Release?
Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled to release worldwide during Diwali 2026.
The second chapter, Ramayana: Part 2, is planned for Diwali 2027.
The Diwali release is particularly significant because the festival is traditionally associated with the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile.
This makes the festival an especially meaningful release window for a cinematic adaptation of the Ramayana.
How Are Fans Reacting to the Trailer?
The trailer has generated strong reactions across social media.
Many fans have praised the visual presentation, Ranbir Kapoor’s appearance as Ram, Sai Pallavi’s portrayal of Sita, and especially Yash’s imposing Ravana.
At the same time, some viewers have expressed concerns about certain visual-effects shots, arguing that a project of this enormous scale should deliver consistently spectacular VFX.
With several months remaining before the Diwali release, the filmmakers still have time to continue refining the visual effects and post-production.
More promotional material, including additional trailers and character-focused footage, is also expected as the theatrical release gets closer.
Why Ramayana Is Such an Important Film
Ramayana is more than simply another large-scale Indian blockbuster.
The story has been passed down across generations and has played an important role in Indian culture, literature, art, television, theatre, and religious traditions.
Bringing such a familiar and culturally significant story to the global big screen is therefore a major challenge.
The film is attempting to combine the traditional narrative of the epic with modern filmmaking technology, international visual effects, IMAX presentation, and a large-scale cinematic production.
The biggest question now is whether the film can balance its enormous visual ambitions with the emotional and spiritual depth expected from the story.
Ramayana Part 1: Quick FAQ
When was the Ramayana trailer released?
The Ramayana: Part 1 trailer was released on July 30, 2026, in Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam.
Who plays Ravana in Ramayana?
Yash plays Ravana in the film.
Who plays Lord Ram?
Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Ram.
Who plays Sita?
Sai Pallavi plays Sita.
When does Ramayana Part 1 release?
Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled for a worldwide release during Diwali 2026.
When will Ramayana Part 2 release?
Ramayana: Part 2 is scheduled to arrive during Diwali 2027.
Who composed the music for Ramayana?
The music is being created through a collaboration between Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman.
Final Thoughts
The first trailer of Ramayana: Part 1 has finally given audiences a detailed glimpse into one of the most ambitious Indian film projects ever attempted.
With Ranbir Kapoor as Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana, backed by Nitesh Tiwari’s direction and an enormous production scale, expectations are understandably high.
The trailer only covers the beginning of the epic journey, with the story eventually building toward the legendary battle between Ram and Ravana.
For now, the countdown to Diwali 2026 has officially begun.
