The team of Ramayana launched promotions for the mythological epic in Mumbai on September 26, with star Ranbir Kapoor appearing alongside global YouTube sensation MrBeast at a ceremonial event marking the start of the campaign.
Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey and producer Namit Malhotra kicked off promotions for the film — a globally mounted cinematic retelling of the Hindu epic scheduled for release this Diwali 2026.
A ceremonial start
Before proceeding with promotions, Kapoor lifted a Shiv Dhanush and offered prayers. He chanted "Jai Shri Ram," lifted the arrow, said a prayer, and then placed it back. Sai Pallavi, who plays Sita in the film, lit lamps at the event while the sound of a traditional conch shell filled the venue.
Explaining the epic to MrBeast
Ranbir began his conversation with MrBeast with "Jai Shri Ram" and "Pavanputra Hanuman Ki Jai." The actor, who plays Lord Ram in the film, explained the importance of the Ramayana to every Indian.
"Ramayana and Shri Ram are deeply etched in our subconscious mind. Lord Rama never tried to be a hero; he is called Maryada Purushottam, which means ideal man. He was born as a prince and could have had everything, but he sacrificed it all to fulfil his father's promise and his duties. There is a term called Dharma, which means duties. He is the perfect man, and I hope through this film, you could have a brief introduction to our culture and history," he said.
The ensemble cast
The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Rama and Sai Pallavi as Sita, with Yash making his Bollywood debut as Ravana. Sunny Deol plays Lord Hanuman, Ravi Dubey will be seen as Lakshman, and Lara Dutta portrays Kaikeyi. The cast also includes Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, Arun Govil as King Dashrath, Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjihva, Kunal Kapoor as Lord Indra, Adinath Kothare as Bharat, and Mohit Raina expected to play Lord Shiva.
Ramayana is planned as a two-part franchise, with the first part releasing on Diwali 2026 — reportedly November 9. The second part is still in production and is scheduled for a 2027 release. The film is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and marks Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer's Bollywood debut, with Zimmer scoring the film alongside AR Rahman. It is produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios and Yash's Monster Mind Creations. The English version of the film is expected to be 30 minutes shorter than the Indian language versions.
Sources:
Ramayana: Ranbir Kapoor Lifts Shiv Dhanush, Explains Dharma To MrBeast At Mumbai Event — Times Now
Last edited: