Nitesh Tiwari’s mythological epic, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash, generates strong pre-release buzz as early reactions praise its performances, visuals and music.
Ranbir Kapoor’s highly anticipated mythological drama Ramayana: Part 1 is gearing up for a massive theatrical opening on November 5, with advance bookings reportedly crossing Rs 112 crore and opening-day collections projected to reach approximately Rs 125 crore.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita and Kannada superstar Yash as Ravana. The ambitious production is being released worldwide across thousands of screens, with early industry estimates suggesting a strong start at the box office.
According to reports, Sony Pictures is distributing the film across approximately 50,000 screens in more than 100 countries, alongside an additional 9,000 screens in India.
Industry projections vary, with some estimates suggesting that the film could collect between Rs 180 crore and Rs 200 crore worldwide on its opening day, supported by the Diwali holiday period and strong advance ticket sales.
According to box office tracking platform Sacnilk, overseas advance bookings for the opening weekend have reached approximately $2.85 million, including $2.15 million from North America. Advance bookings in the Middle East, another significant market for Indian cinema, had yet to open at the time of reporting.
The film is among the most expensive projects in Indian cinema, with a reported combined budget of Rs 4,000 crore for its two instalments. The second part is scheduled for release during Diwali 2027.
Alongside its lead cast, Ramayana: Part 1 features Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha and Faisal Malik as Kumbhkaran. Sunny Deol, Lara Dutta and Arun Govil also appear in important roles.
The film held its Los Angeles premiere last week at the Academy Theater, ahead of its worldwide theatrical release.
Running for more than three hours and 15 minutes, the film has received a U certificate, making it accessible to audiences of all ages.
Early reactions from industry figures have been largely positive, with particular praise directed toward the film’s visual effects, performances and musical score.
Actor Pragya Jaiswal, who attended an advance screening, described the film as a landmark achievement for Indian cinema.
She praised Kapoor’s portrayal of Rama, Yash’s performance as Ravana and Sai Pallavi’s depiction of Sita, while also commending Ravie Dubey and Rakul Preet Singh for their roles.
Film production company Sri Venkateswara Creations also praised the film’s visual presentation and storytelling, highlighting the performances of the lead actors.
The soundtrack, composed by Oscar-winning musicians A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer, has emerged as another major attraction.
Film producer S.S. Karthikeya, son of filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli, applauded the production team for bringing together the two internationally acclaimed composers and presenting the Indian epic on a global scale.
He also praised director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra for undertaking the ambitious project.
While early responses have highlighted the film’s scale and technical achievements, some initial assessments have pointed to minor shortcomings, particularly in the English-dubbed version.
The film’s commercial prospects are also being compared with recent Indian blockbusters, including Dhurandhar, as trade analysts assess whether its extensive international release and family-friendly certification could help it achieve record-breaking collections.
With substantial advance bookings, an expansive worldwide release and strong early industry reactions, Ramayana: Part 1 is positioned for one of the most closely watched Bollywood box office openings of the year.
Its performance following the November 5 release will determine whether the ambitious adaptation can translate its enormous pre-release expectations into sustained commercial success.
