Ramayana Makers Eye November 5 Worldwide Release in Pre-Diwali Move

The makers of the epic Ramayana are planning to release the film worldwide on Thursday, November 5, according to people familiar with the production. The move would bring the Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi starrer to cinemas three days before Diwali, with India and overseas markets opening on the same day.

The release plan has shifted more than once. An initial date of November 6 was followed by producer Namit Malhotra indicating that the film would open overseas on November 6 and in India on November 8. The latest thinking, which is yet to be formally announced, would consolidate those into a single global date. Stakeholders are said to be largely in agreement, and an official announcement is expected once final approval comes through.

If the November 5 date holds, it would mark a departure from recent practice. Since 2014, most major Diwali releases have arrived a day after the festival, on the view that audiences are occupied with puja and festivities on Diwali day itself. Opening three days earlier points to the makers' confidence in the film, with the post-Diwali holiday on November 9 seen as a potential boost to an extended first week.

Dharma Productions will handle distribution in India, while Sony Pictures holds overseas rights. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. It is directed by Nitesh Tiwari, known for Dangal, and produced by Namit Malhotra, with music by A R Rahman and Hans Zimmer.

Ramayana is planned as a two-part saga. The first part is scheduled for Diwali 2026, with the second slated for Diwali 2027.