Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi’s much-awaited Ramayana: Part One is reportedly heading towards a November theatrical release. The Nitesh Tiwari-directed film is scheduled to arrive in Indian cinemas on November 5, a Thursday, with paid previews planned for November 4.
The release date has been a subject of speculation for several weeks, with different dates being discussed by fans and overseas listings.
Why Has Ramayana’s Release Date Been Uncertain?
Several possible dates have surfaced for Ramayana: Part One. November 6, which falls on the Friday before Diwali, was among the dates widely expected by fans, while some international listings had also indicated the same date.
There was also speculation that the film could arrive a day after Diwali, following the release pattern adopted by several major festive films in recent years. Another date that emerged was November 8, suggesting a Diwali-day release. However, the November 8 speculation stemmed from a misunderstanding of an interview.
Why November 5 Could Be the Final Date
The pre-Diwali period is generally considered a slower phase for theatrical business. However, the film’s international release plans appear to have influenced its Indian schedule.
According to the report, Ramayana: Part One is expected to open on a Thursday in several overseas territories, where Thursday releases are common. To maintain the international release schedule, the film is reportedly planned for an Indian release on November 5. Paid previews on November 4 would allow audiences in India to watch the film a day earlier.
International Release Schedule
The reported international rollout is also spread across multiple dates. Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Germany, other European markets and Latin America are expected to receive the film on November 5.
The UK, South Africa and Mauritius are reportedly scheduled for November 6. Meanwhile, release dates for China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong have not yet been announced.
The report also notes that these overseas dates are not final and could be revised.
Ramayana Cast and Reported Budget
Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana features a prominent cast, with Ranbir Kapoor portraying Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi playing Sita. Yash will be seen as Ravana, while Sunny Deol plays Hanuman. Ravie Dubey portrays Lakshman, Lara Dutta plays Kaikeyi and Rakul Preet Singh has been cast as Shurpanakha.
The film is being produced by Namit Malhotra and is planned as a two-part project. Dharma is set to handle its release in India, while Sony Pictures will distribute it internationally.
Ramayana is planned in two parts, with the second instalment expected to release around 2027. The combined reported budget of the two films is Rs 835 crore, which would make the project the most expensive Indian film franchise to date.