Nitesh Tiwari mythological epic Ramayana Part 1 opens in cinemas

Director Nitesh Tiwari released the mythological epic Ramayana: Part 1 in theaters on November 5, 2026. The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Yash as Ravana, and Sai Pallavi as Sita. ComingSoon reported that the feature launched in the United States under the title Ramayana: Rise of a Legend. IIFA reported that the supporting ensemble includes Arun Govil as King Dasharath, alongside performances by Vivek Oberoi, Shobana, Rakul Preet Singh, Kajal Aggarwal, Lara Dutta, and Indira Krishnan. [1][3][14]

Critical reactions to the release varied across major media outlets. The BBC reported that India's costliest film divided critics upon its opening. Reviews from EasternEye and The Hindu noted that Yash's performance as Ravana outshone Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Lord Rama on screen. NDTV reported that critics praised the visual effects and Yash's Ravana, while calling Kapoor's Ram painfully dull. [8][9][11][12]

Early box office metrics indicate strong initial theatrical tracking. The Times of India reported that the feature's first-day domestic collection approached 50 crore rupees. The Daily Star reported that the film was tracking for a record-breaking box office run, while Onmanorama highlighted strong theater positioning for the 3D presentation in regional markets. [4][6][7]

The project represents the first installment of a planned two-part cinematic adaptation of the ancient epic poem by Valmiki. Namit Malhotra produced the feature alongside Yash, while Shridhar Raghavan co-wrote the screenplay with Tiwari. As FTMQ Film & TV reported earlier, Sony Pictures Entertainment secured the international distribution rights outside India, with the second part scheduled for theatrical release in Diwali 2027. [3][14][15][16]