Indian cinema has revisited the timeless story of the “Ramayana” for decades, with numerous filmmakers presenting their own interpretations of the epic. Still, director Nitesh Tiwari he believes his version offers something different by unfolding the story across two feature films rather than condensing it into a single release. The filmmaker recently spoke about this creative decision during the global promotional campaign for ‘Ramayana’ at the San Diego Comic-Con, where the team interacted with international media and audiences.Speaking to IGN, Tiwari revealed that the first installment has been deliberately structured to conclude on a dramatic turning point that naturally leads into the sequel.He said, “Ramayana is a linear story, and where we end up in the first part is something that can be called a cliffhanger. Something that will make people want to see the second part the moment they leave the theater. That’s basically it.” The filmmaker added that splitting the narrative into two films was always driven by narrative rather than commercial considerations. He further said, “It’s a story that deserves two parts. You can’t tell in one part, and we just decided that this would probably be the best juncture to leave it in the first part, leaving the rest for the second part.”
Where modern images meet timeless emotions
While there have been countless adaptations of the ‘Ramayana’ over the years, Tiwari believes that his version offers a fresh cinematic experience without losing sight of the emotional essence of the epic.Explaining his creative vision, he said, “At its heart, it’s about relationships and the emotions that come with it. That’s exactly what we’ve tried to capture. Along with that, we’ve given it cutting-edge execution. That’s what makes it so exciting. The story itself, which many people may have heard and seen before, will be absolutely refreshing. This is an absolutely new vision in terms of execution.“
The release plan of ‘Ramayana’ is now locked
The makers have already announced the release dates for the two chapters of the ambitious project. “Ramayana Part One” is slated to hit theaters ahead of Diwali festivities this November, while “Ramayana Part Two” is slated to hit theaters before Diwali in 2027, completing the cinematic saga in two installments.Although generations of audiences are already familiar with the story of ‘Ramayana’, Tiwari believes that his adaptation will still provide a fresh viewing experience.According to the filmmaker, the emotional bonds between the characters remain at the center of the narrative. By combining these timeless relationships with advanced filmmaking technology and contemporary visual storytelling, the team hopes to present the epic in a way that feels authentic and visually spectacular.
The star cast of ‘Ramayana’ brings the epic to life
The show features two parts Ranbir Kapoor like Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana, leading a cast in one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious mythological adaptations.