The makers of Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic Ramayana: Part 1 have teased the first look of Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, generating excitement among fans ahead of the film’s release. The glimpse was unveiled at a pre-release event in Hyderabad on October 19, 2026.
Alongside the reveal, producer Namit Malhotra shared plans to expand the Ramayana story beyond its two planned films. The proposed projects could develop into a larger cinematic universe, drawing comparisons with international franchises such as Marvel and Star Wars.
Sunny Deol’s First Look as Lord Hanuman Teased
Sunny Deol’s portrayal of Lord Hanuman is among the most anticipated aspects of Nitesh Tiwari’s adaptation of the Indian epic. Although the makers have kept specific details of his appearance under wraps, the teaser presented at the Hyderabad event has increased interest in the film’s scale and visual presentation.
Ramayana: Part 1 features a star-studded cast, with Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash portraying Ravana. Sunny Deol will appear as Lord Hanuman, while Ravi Dubey plays Lakshman.
The supporting cast includes Amitabh Bachchan as Jatayu, Arun Govil as King Dasharatha, Lara Dutta as Queen Kaikeyi, Indira Krishna as Queen Kaushalya and Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara. Vivek Oberoi plays Vidyutjiva, Kajal Aggarwal portrays Mandodari, and Rakul Preet Singh appears as Shurpanakha.
Other actors in the film include Kunal Kapoor as Indra, Adinath Kothare as Bharat, Shishir Sharma as Vasishtha, Ajinkya Deo as Vishwamitra, Shobana as Kaikasi, Mohit Raina as Shiva, Faisal Malik as Kumbhakarna, Suhail Nayyar as Sugriva and Kiara Sadh as Little Sita.
Namit Malhotra Plans an Expanded Ramayana Universe
Producer Namit Malhotra, associated with Prime Focus Studios and DNEG, has outlined plans to take the Ramayana franchise beyond its two feature films. According to the announcement, the team is considering around five spin-off projects that could be developed as films or series.
The proposed projects would explore individual characters and storylines from the epic. The characters being considered for these spin-offs include Hanuman, Surpanakha, Jatayu, Indrajit and Angad.
Malhotra’s vision extends beyond conventional film releases. The broader franchise could eventually include video games, theme parks and Broadway adaptations, creating opportunities to present the epic across different entertainment formats.
The plan signals an ambition to build a long-term entertainment franchise around the Ramayana, with stories that explore different characters and aspects of the ancient narrative.
Ramayana: Part 1 Release Date and Global Premiere
Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled to release worldwide in theatres on November 5, 2026, shortly before Diwali. Sony Pictures Entertainment will handle its global distribution, with the film set to arrive in premium theatrical formats.
The music has been composed by AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer, bringing together two internationally recognised composers for the ambitious production.
Before its worldwide theatrical release, the film is scheduled to have an exclusive 3D world premiere on October 27, 2026, at the David Geffen Theatre inside the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. The invitation-only event is expected to welcome Hollywood personalities, international filmmakers and global media representatives. Attendees have been encouraged to wear traditional Indian attire.
Advance bookings in India opened on Dussehra, October 20, 2026, reflecting the makers’ preparations for the film’s theatrical launch.
The reported budget for Ramayana: Part 1 and its upcoming sequel combined is INR 4,000 crore. The second instalment is scheduled for release during Diwali 2027, continuing the epic’s story on the big screen.