Ranbir Kapoor’s 'Ramayana' Tops IMDb’s Most Anticipated Films List

MUMBAI — Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming mythological epic Ramayana: Part 1 has been ranked as the most anticipated Indian film for the second half of 2026, according to the latest data from IMDb. The rankings, based on page views from over 250 million monthly visitors between January 1 and June 28, 2026, highlight the massive public interest surrounding the production.

Scheduled for a theatrical release during the Diwali festival, the film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, with Kannada superstar Yash portraying Ravana and Sai Pallavi cast as Sita. The production, backed by producer Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios, is being framed as a global cinematic event, utilizing advanced visual effects to adapt the ancient Indian epic for a contemporary audience.

Production Scale and Global Ambitions

The film has been in development for several years, with the team emphasizing an "authentic and sacred" approach to the source material. According to official announcements, the project is structured as a two-part saga, with the second installment currently slated for a Diwali 2027 release.

Beyond its cast, the production has drawn attention for its technical collaborations. The film features a musical score composed by Hans Zimmer, marking the Academy Award winner's debut as a composer for an Indian film, while the songs are being composed by A.R. Rahman with lyrics by Kumar Vishwas.

Strategic Marketing and Industry Buzz

The anticipation for the film remains high despite mixed reactions to promotional material released earlier this year. Producers have maintained that the project is built on a massive scale, with the production team aiming to align the film’s quality with global benchmarks like Dune or Avatar.

Industry reports also suggest that the makers are exploring the possibility of a grand international premiere for the film, with Dubai being discussed as a potential location for the event. This would serve to underscore the project's ambition to reach a global audience beyond the Indian diaspora.

Official Sources

• IMDb – Most Anticipated Indian Movies (July–December 2026)

• Prime Focus Studios – Corporate Announcements

Why It Matters

For the Indian film industry, Ramayana represents a significant investment in high-budget mythological storytelling. By consistently topping anticipation lists, the film has become a litmus test for how major studios can blend traditional cultural narratives with state-of-the-art VFX to attract modern viewers in a crowded theatrical market. The project's success is expected to influence the trajectory of future high-budget Indian productions aiming for international recognition.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Rank: No. 1 on IMDb’s Most Anticipated Indian Movies list (H2 2026).

• Release Date: Diwali 2026 (Part 1).

• Key Cast: Ranbir Kapoor (Lord Ram), Yash (Ravana), and Sai Pallavi (Sita).

• Technical Team: Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, music by A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer.

• Scope: A two-part cinematic epic produced by Namit Malhotra and Yash.

FAQ

1. When will Ramayana: Part 1 be released in theaters?

The film is confirmed for a nationwide theatrical release during Diwali 2026.

2. Who are the primary cast members in the film?

The ensemble cast features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman.

3. Is this a standalone movie?

No, the filmmakers have announced that Ramayana is a two-part saga. Part 1 releases in 2026, followed by Part 2 in 2027.

4. Why is there so much focus on the film's VFX?

The production team, including producer Namit Malhotra, has stated that they are prioritizing high-end visual effects and world-building, aiming to make the film a global-standard cinematic experience.

Source: IMDb Official Rankings, Prime Focus Studios