By News18
Ramayana First Look Teaser: Makers have finally unveiled the first look from the much-anticipated cinematic rendition of the epic, headlined by Ranbir Kapoor. On July 3, they shared the first looks of Ranbir, Sai Pallavi and Yash from the upcoming project.
On July 3rd, 2025, the makers unveiled the epic universe with a global launch of Ramayana: The Introduction, setting the stage for the timeless battle between two of mythology鈥檚 most iconic forces: Rama Vs Ravana. The launch was global, featuring fan screenings across nine Indian cities and a spectacular billboard takeover at Times Square, New York. Led by filmmaker-producer Namit Malhotra and co-produced by Yash, Ramayana unites a formidable team of Oscar-winning technicians, Hollywood鈥檚 finest creators, and India鈥檚 biggest names in acting and storytelling. It reimagines one of civilization鈥檚 most powerful epics as a cutting-edge cinematic universe rooted in Indian culture and crafted for a global audience.
The video starts from the roots 鈥 the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva who rule the world. With striking animation, the video then introduces characters from Ramayana 鈥 Lord Rama played by Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. 鈥淭en years of Aspiration. Relentless Conviction to bring the Greatest Epic of all time to the World. An outcome through a collaboration of some of the world鈥檚 best to ensure that Ramayana is presented with the greatest amount of Reverence and Respect. Welcome to the Beginning. Let鈥檚 Celebrate the IMMORTAL story of Rama v/s Ravana. Our Truth. Our History,鈥 wrote the makers while sharing the first look.
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What do we know about the cast and crew of Ramayana?
In a stellar casting coup bringing together India鈥檚 biggest stars, Ramayana features:
鈼 Ranbir Kapoor as Rama
鈼 Yash as Ravana
鈼 Sai Pallavi as Sita
鈼 Sunny Deol as Hanuman
鈼 Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, Rama鈥檚 loyal brother
Supporting this powerful cast is an extraordinary crew. For the first time ever, Oscar-winning legends Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman join forces to craft a new cinematic symphony.
What is the story of Ramayana?
Set in a timeless age, the universe is maintained by the cosmic trinity 鈥 Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Protector, and Shiva the Destroyer 鈥 who ensure harmony among gods, sages, humans, and demons. However, from the ruins of this balance emerges a force unlike any other.
An unlikely demon child transforms into Ravana, the most feared and indestructible king in all creation. His roar shakes the heavens, and his mission is clear: to annihilate Vishnu, the god of protection, whom he believes has always opposed his kind. To counter him, Vishnu descends to Earth in his weakest form 鈥 a mortal prince named Rama. Thus begins the eternal battle: Rama vs. Ravana. Mortal vs. Immortal. Light vs. Darkness. This is Ramayana 鈥 a tale of cosmic war, timeless destiny, and the triumph of good, still influencing the spirit of a billion people today.
Hollywood stalwarts have worked in Ramayana
Hollywood鈥檚 top stunt directors 鈥 Terry Notary (Avengers, Planet of the Apes) and Guy Norris (Mad Max: Fury Road, Furiosa) 鈥 are choreographing the epic battles between gods and demons. The visual splendour of ancient India is being reimagined by renowned production designers Ravi Bansal (Dune 2, Aladdin, etc) and Ramsey Avery (Captain America, Tomorrowland, etc), delivering an immersive cinematic experience on an unprecedented scale.
Talking about Ramayana, Namit Malhotra, producer, filmmaker, founder of Prime Focus, and CEO of DNEG, shared, 鈥淭his is a cultural movement for every Indian around the world. With Ramayana, we鈥檙e not just retelling history; we鈥檙e introducing our legacy to the world.Bringing together the finest global talent allows us to tell this story with authenticity, emotion, and state-of-the-art cinematic innovation. We鈥檝e seen Ramayana portrayed before 鈥 but this version reimagines its landscapes, creatures, and battles with the scale and splendour they deserve. As Indians, this is our truth. Now, it will be our gift to the world.鈥
Nitesh Tiwari, director of the film, said, 鈥淩amayana is a story we鈥檝e all grown up with. It carries the soul of our culture. Our aim was to honour that soul 鈥 and present it with the cinematic scale it truly deserves. As a filmmaker, it鈥檚 both a huge responsibility and a heartfelt honour to bring it to life. . It鈥檚 a tale that has endured across millennia because it speaks to something deep and eternal within us. We are not simply making a film. We are offering a vision 鈥 one rooted in reverence, shaped by excellence, and made to transcend borders.鈥
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra鈥檚 Prime Focus Studios along with the 8-time Oscar-winning VFX studio DNEG, in association with Yash鈥檚 Monster Mind Creations, Ramayana is being filmed for IMAX and will be released worldwide: Part 1 in Diwali 2026 and Part 2 in Diwali 2027.