Mark your calendars – Diwali 2026 is going to be bigger than ever.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and featuring a dream cast, this historic cinematic universe just dropped its first teaser, and fans all over the globe are losing their minds.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Indian history or just someone who appreciates big-screen spectacle, this film is shaping up to be a once-in-a-generation event. And here’s why it’s blowing up everywhere.
Check our Ramayana first look review: A deep dive into Ranbir Kapoor and Yash’s epic mythological film featuring stunning VFX, intense visuals, and cinematic grandeur.
Ramayana First Look Review: The Global Teaser That Broke the Internet
On July 3, 2025, the makers of Ramayana launched a 3-minute first glimpse—and let’s just say it wasn’t just India watching.
Screens in New York’s Times Square lit up with it, while major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru got to see the teaser firsthand.
It opens with an awe-inspiring sequence showing the cosmic trinity—Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), and Shiva (destroyer)—setting the stage for the eternal conflict that lies at the heart of the Ramayana.
The visuals? Breathtaking. The tone? Epic.
And then, boom—there they were.
Ranbir Kapoor as Shri Ram and Yash as Ravana in their first official looks.
Fans were stunned. The body language, the calm vs chaos energy, the tension—it’s all there, and it’s cinematic gold.
Reactions? Let’s Just Say the Internet Broke a Little
Twitter (or X) went into absolute meltdown mode after the teaser dropped.
Fans called it “jaw-dropping,” “visually divine,” and “finally the Ramayana adaptation we’ve been waiting for.”
Ranbir, Yash & the magic of Zimmer-Rahman have arrived — and how! 🎬🔥
In just 3 minutes, Ramayana gives us an unforgettable glimpse into a mythic world where Lord Ram meets Ravana in a battle that shaped it all.
The VFX, the vision, the music — pure cinematic divinity! 🕉️💥 pic.twitter.com/AofDTRgtH7— Entertainment 24 (@ent24hr) July 3, 2025
One fan wrote, “Ranbir’s calm yet intense look as Ram gave me goosebumps,” while another said, “Yash as Ravana? Chills! That menace is unmatched.”
#Ramayana First Glimpse Is Looking Solid 🔥🔥 #Yash As Raavna Looking Killing And #RanbirKapoor is giving full Lord Ram Vibe The Simplicity That was Needed For It
— HGG (@Bollywo55613934) July 3, 2025
And let’s not forget the music.
With Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman teaming up, the score has already been declared a masterpiece.
One viral tweet said:
“The background score is sheer brilliance“
#Ramayana first glimpse is finally out and I am just spellbound. The 3 min video perfectly sets the stage for future assets without revealing more than what's required at this moment.
But whatever is shown clearly shows vision. The last shot is a clear giveaway of the level of… pic.twitter.com/ZgZKDGyHK0
— Filmy Gautam (@filmygautam) July 3, 2025
Another added, “Music gave me actual chills. They didn’t just compose—they summoned.”
There were a few complaints, though. Some fans were disappointed not to see Sai Pallavi’s Sita or Sunny Deol’s Hanuman in the teaser.
Still, that only added to the anticipation—because if this was the teaser, imagine what the full trailer will bring.
Meet the Stellar Cast of Ramayana: The Introduction
This film isn’t just star-studded—it’s perfectly cast. Here’s a look at who’s playing who in this larger-than-life tale:
Ranbir Kapoor as Shri Ram – Serene, strong, and soulful. His portrayal in the teaser already has fans believing he was born for the role.
Yash as Ravana – Intense and powerful. His brief screen time already made a massive impact.
Sai Pallavi as Sita – While not in the teaser, her casting is already creating buzz. Expect something emotionally rich and deeply graceful.
Sunny Deol as Hanuman – A bold, unexpected casting that has fans curious. If he channels that ‘Dhai Kilo Ka Haath’ energy with bhakti, we’re in for something special.
Ravi Dubey as Lakshman – A fresh face with great energy. His casting is personal and passionate, especially with his wife Sargun Mehta hyping him up.
Arun Govil as Dashrath – Yes, the OG Ram from the Doordarshan series is now playing Rama’s father. Full-circle moment!
Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi – Get ready for some emotional fireworks.
Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha and Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari – While unconfirmed, these reports have fans buzzing.
Vivek Oberoi and Sheeba Chaddha – Reportedly playing key roles to add complexity to the narrative.
Add to that a world-class production team, with Oscar-winning VFX from DNEG, IMAX filming, and action choreography by Terry Notary (Avatar, Planet of the Apes) and Guy Norris (Mad Max: Fury Road), and you know this film is going to be next-level.
Ramayana Plot Peek: What’s the Story?
While the full story remains under wraps, the first film is expected to focus on the rise of Ravana and Ram’s early journey, culminating in the Sita Haran (Sita’s abduction).
Set 5,000 years ago, this version of Ramayana is not just a retelling—it’s a reimagined, historically grounded interpretation. The filmmakers are being clear: this is not fantasy, it’s a deep dive into India’s epic heritage through the lens of modern cinema.
According to the producers, the goal is to treat Ramayana not just as a story, but as a cultural movement. And from what we’ve seen so far, they’re on track to do just that.
Release Dates Locked: Get Ready for a Historic Diwali
Part 1: Diwali 2026
Part 2: Diwali 2027
That’s right—this is a two-part epic, and the scale demands it. Filming for Part 1 has already wrapped, while Part 2 begins production in August 2025.
With a jaw-dropping budget of ₹835 crore (that’s roughly $100 million+), this is officially India’s most expensive film to date.
Some fans felt the teaser came too early, considering we’ve got 16+ months to go. But judging by the hype it’s created, this early drop is doing exactly what it was meant to—start the countdown.
Final Thoughts: The Ramayana We’ve Been Waiting For?
If the teaser is anything to go by, Ramayana: The Introduction isn’t just a film—it’s a cinematic statement. It’s proof that Indian historical cinema can be grand, emotional, technically flawless, and deeply rooted in culture—all at once.
With Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi leading the charge and musical gods like Zimmer and Rahman scoring the journey, this might just be the film that places Indian historical storytelling on the global stage.
So yes, Diwali 2026 can’t come soon enough.
Are you ready for the battle of the millennium? Because Shri Ram vs Ravana is about to unfold like you’ve never seen before.
Lead Image: Prime Focus Studios
Also Read:
Ramayana Movie Cast: Revealing the Star-Studded Cast Of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana Movie!