An ancient epic. A legendary hero. A cinematic spectacle unlike any other.
The timeless story of Ramayana is getting a grand big-screen adaptation, and the creative minds behind it are giving audiences an exciting glimpse of what it took to bring this beloved tale to life.
In a newly released Ramayana: Rise of a Legend vignette, producer Namit Malhotra, director Nitesh Tiwari, and lead star Ranbir Kapoor share their passion, creative vision, and the extraordinary effort behind one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious productions.
From a massive international production team to Academy Award-winning visual effects talent, the film promises a spectacular retelling of a story that has inspired generations.
Watch the Ramayana: Rise of a Legend vignette here:
A Legendary Story, Decades in the Making
For producer Namit Malhotra, bringing Ramayana to theaters feels less like an ordinary filmmaking project and more like a defining moment in his career.
When the opportunity of Ramayana came along, it was something I felt we had to do. Some films don’t get made, they happen, Malhotra shares in the vignette.
And the scale of this production? Nothing short of extraordinary.
Just to give people a sense of numbers, we have over ten thousand people on this film, worldwide, he reveals.
Malhotra is also the CEO of DNEG, the acclaimed visual effects company behind cinematic masterpieces such as Inception, Interstellar, Blade Runner 2049, Dune, and Dune: Part Two.
With eight Academy Awards to its name, DNEG brings an impressive legacy of groundbreaking visual storytelling to the project.
Reflecting on his journey, Malhotra explains how decades of experience have prepared him for this ambitious undertaking.
I built this little company from a garage. Three decades later, having won eight Academy Awards. We have all the best filmmaking talent, acting talent, production capabilities. Everything I ever did in my life was to be able to do this properly.
Ranbir Kapoor on Bringing the Hero Rama to Life
Stepping into the role of Rama is acclaimed actor Ranbir Kapoor, who describes being captivated by director Nitesh Tiwari’s extraordinary vision.
The kind of cast, crew that Namit put together. The kind of opportunity that you gave us, scale that you gave us creative people, that’s really rare in this industry. Kapoor says to Tiwari. When you took me through your vision, I was bedazzled.
With a character deeply rooted in Indian culture and mythology, Kapoor takes on a role that carries enormous significance for audiences familiar with the epic.
His portrayal of Rama stands at the heart of a story exploring sacrifice, courage, destiny, and the enduring battle between good and evil.
Nitesh Tiwari Reveals Why Ramayana Is a Story for Everyone
While Ramayana is deeply connected to India’s cultural heritage, director Nitesh Tiwari believes its themes have the power to resonate far beyond geographical and cultural boundaries.
There’s something in it for everyone. People from around the world can connect to it. There’s a great father-son story. There’s a great underdog story. A brave love story, Tiwari explains.
Known for directing Dangal, the highest-grossing Indian film worldwide, Tiwari brings his storytelling expertise to a tale that blends family, romance, heroism, and destiny.
At its core, Ramayana: Rise of a Legend follows Rama, a prince bound by sacrifice, and Ravana, an immortal king driven by vengeance, as an ancient prophecy draws their fates together.
It’s a legendary conflict with timeless emotional stakes, now reimagined for a new generation of moviegoers.
An Epic Collaboration of World-Class Talent
Beyond its powerful story and impressive visuals, Ramayana: Rise of a Legend brings together a remarkable lineup of international creative talent.
Joining Ranbir Kapoor are Yash, Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey, and Sunny Deol, forming an ensemble cast that promises to breathe life into the epic’s unforgettable characters.
Adding to the excitement is a musical collaboration between Academy Award-winning composers Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman.
With Zimmer’s cinematic compositions and Rahman’s celebrated musical artistry, the film’s score is another major highlight to anticipate.
Combined with DNEG’s visual effects expertise and Tiwari’s storytelling vision, Ramayana: Rise of a Legend aims to deliver a larger-than-life theatrical experience.
Experience Ramayana: Rise of a Legend at SM Cinemas This November 5
The countdown to an epic cinematic adventure is on!
Ramayana: Rise of a Legend arrives exclusively at SM Cinemas on November 5, 2026, including IMAX and other premium formats, as part of its global theatrical release.
Whether you’re a longtime admirer of the ancient epic or discovering Rama’s legendary journey for the first time, this ambitious adaptation offers a fresh opportunity to experience one of the world’s most enduring stories on the big screen.
Witness the legend unfold at SM Cinemas starting November 5! Distributed locally by Columbia Pictures PH.
Film Details
Title: Ramayana: Rise of a Legend
Director: Nitesh Tiwari
Screenplay: Shridhar Raghavan
Producer: Namit Malhotra
Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey, Sunny Deol
Music: Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman
Philippine Release Date: November 5, 2026
Cinema: SM Cinemas, including IMAX and premium formats
Film credits are not final.