'Ramayana': Part 1: Everything to Know About the Cast, Plot, and Release Date of the Indian Epic Mythological Film

Published 11/06/2026, 3:41 AM EST
Caption: RamayanaCredits: Monster Mind Creations/Prime Focus Studios

2026 seems to be a big year for cinema, especially for epic storytelling. Following the success of The Odyssey, another live-action adaptation of an Indian epic is making its way to the big screen. It tells the story of Prince Rama of Ayodhya, tracing his life, exile and journey.

Over the years, the epic has seen several adaptations across live-action films, television series and animation. The latest is Namit Malhotra's Ramayana, featuring a star-studded cast and a talented creative team behind the film. Here is a closer look at the cast, plot, and release date of Ramayana.

Plot of Ramayana: Part 1

Ramayana: Part 1 is based on the Ramayana by Valmiki. It follows Prince Rama during his early years in Ayodhya, where he grows up alongside his brothers. The film focuses on the prince's journey as he faces various challenges to marry Sita. However, a promise forces Rama into exile, with Lakshmana and Sita joining him.

This leads to one of the most crucial events in the epic which Sita's abduction by Ravana. The next chapter of his journey will become the focus of the second installment.

Caption: RamayanaCredits: Monster Mind Creations/Prime Focus Studios

Here is a look at the cast of the film.

Cast of Ramayana: Part 1

Ranbir Kapoor (Rockstar) as Rama

Yash (Moggina Manasu) as Ravana 

Sai Pallavi (Kali) as Sita 

Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana 

Lara Dutt (Andaaz) as Kaikeyi

Rakul Preet Singh (Spyder) as Shurpanakha

Caption: Namit Malhotra's RamayanaCredits: Sony Pictures Releasing

Arun Govil (Paheli) as Dasharatha

Indira Krishnan as Kaushalya 

Sonal Jha as Sumitra 

Rajiv Kumar as Janaka 

Adinath Kothare as Bharata 

Nitish Sharma as Shatrughna 

Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari

Sunny Deol as Hanuman

“I Am Ancient”- Mike Flanagan Gets Candid About Horror’s Young Filmmaking Talent

The film is based on Ramayana by Valmiki and the script is written by Shridhar Raghavan and Nitesh Tiwari. These are the talented actors from the worlds of film and television who will bring the characters of the epic to life. While the cast, visuals, and action have already intrigued audiences, when can people witness this epic on the big screen?

Release date of Ramayana: Part 1

A live-action adaptation of the Ramayana was announced back in 2017. Initially planned as a trilogy, the film will now be released in two parts. The first instalment is set for worldwide release on November 5, 2026. Produced by Namit Malhotra and Yash, the film is directed by Nitesh Tiwari, best known for films like Dangal. There is much hype around the movie and whether it is able to meet the expectations remains to be seen

"When Are We Gonna Work Together?"- Cate Blanchett Pitches a Collaboration With Kōji Yakusho

Will you watch Ramayana: Part 1? Let us know in the comments.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Pritha Debroy

1450 articles

Pritha Debroy is an Entertainment writer at NetflixJunkie who can seamlessly switch between breaking down an NBA play and obsessing over the latest K-drama twist. She has written over 3,400 NBA and NFL articles, but her true joy lies in diving into Netflix’s trendiest shows—unpacking themes, stories, and yes, the occasional celebrity chaos. When she is not writing, you’ll find her devouring thrillers (anything by Freida McFadden is an instant yes), revisiting comfort classics like 10 Things I Hate About You and 27 Dresses, or hunting for her next binge-worthy series.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

EDITORS' PICK