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The first trailer for “Ramayana” has debuted, marking the most substantial promotional asset yet for Nitesh Tiwari’s two-part adaptation of the ancient Hindu epic, ahead of a worldwide release this November.
The story
follows exiled prince Rama (Ranbir Kapoor) and his consort Sita (Sai Pallavi) through exile into catastrophe, as Sita’s abduction at the hands of Ravana (Yash) sets in motion an epic war between righteousness and evil. Part 1 is expected to culminate with the abduction itself, leaving the rescue campaign and the climactic battle for Part 2. Both parts are filmed for Imax. The two films together are budgeted at approximately $500 million, Variety understands.
The long-awaited trailer offers a sweeping first look at the Hindi-language spectacle, which will also be dubbed into several other languages.
The preview opens with an introduction to demon king Ravana asserting his dominion across the three realms of heaven, earth, and the underworld. A voiceover establishes the overarching mythological conflict, explaining how Lord Vishnu takes human form to restore righteousness on earth when chaos threatens the universe, introducing Kapoor’s Prince Rama as King Dasharatha’s (Arun Govil) eldest son.
The trailer shifts focus to Rama’s 14-year exile to the forest to uphold his father’s vow, accompanied by his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana (played by Ravi Dubey). The peaceful exile is shattered when Ravana’s sister, Surpanakha (played by Rakul Preet Singh), becomes infatuated with Rama, setting off a chain of events that leads to her humiliation. Vowing retribution, Ravana steps in to restore his pride, initiating the conflict that leads to Sita’s abduction.
Building to a grand finale, the footage showcases high-scale visual effects, mythological weaponry, and massive army battles as Rama vows to defeat Ravana across the three worlds and rescue Sita, signaling the start of the era of Rama.
The film is produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations.
Kapoor, Yash, Tiwari and Malhotra, founder of Prime Focus and DNEG CEO, appeared at San Diego Comic-Con to debut the new clip and discuss the making of the epic movies.
“Ramayana” Part 1 is set to open during the Diwali holiday frame, with Part 2 following on Diwali 2027. The choice of release window is no accident. Diwali – one of the most widely observed festivals in the Hindu calendar – marks the return of Rama to his kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana. The lighting of lamps that defines the celebration is said to represent the illumination of Ayodhya on the night its beloved prince came home.
Score duties are shared by Oscar-winning composers Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman. DNEG – the eight-time Oscar winning VFX house, whose credits include the “Dune” movies, “Interstellar” and “Inception” – is handling visual effects. Tiwari, whose “Dangal” remains the highest-grossing Indian film ever made, directs from a screenplay by Shridhar Raghavan.
Sony Pictures is handling international distribution for all territories outside India and Dharma Productions within India.
Watch the trailer here:
