Considerable buzz surrounds Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated cinematic rendition of the epic “Ramayana,” featuring a stellar cast led by Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi. With its global release slated for November 8, 2026, on Diwali, a significant detail regarding the film’s final runtime has emerged, sparking further discussion among enthusiasts.
Speculation has been rife about the film potentially offering a grand three-hour spectacle. Now, a listing on Douban, China’s prominent movie database platform, appears to have prematurely disclosed the official runtime. Screenshots circulating from the site suggest that “Ramayana” will clock in at approximately 2 hours and 46 minutes, or 166 minutes. However, it’s crucial to note that this runtime remains unconfirmed by the filmmakers and could be subject to change before its theatrical debut. Additionally, it is unclear whether this specific runtime pertains to a version censored for the Chinese market.
Intriguingly, Ranbir Kapoor, during a promotional event in April, shared a revealing insight: the project boasts an extensive six hours of footage, intended to be distributed across two distinct films. In an interview with Collider, Kapoor likened “Ramayana” to the monumental scale of “The Lord of the Rings,” emphasizing its ambitious scope. He articulated, “It’s nothing less than Lord of the Rings. It’s our greatest epic spectacle coming from our country, and this was just a teaser. We have six hours of epic visuals and epic action sequences, emotions. It teaches you to be a better son, a better husband, a better brother. It’s the triumph of good over evil. There are so many different layers of storytelling happening with this film that I’m, really excited for people to sample it.” This revelation about a potential six-hour total runtime suggests that the two parts of the saga may not necessarily have an equal distribution of screen time.
For context, “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, in its theatrical versions, collectively ran for approximately 557 to 558 minutes (roughly 9 hours and 17 minutes), with extended editions stretching to about 682 to 726 minutes (approximately 11.4 to 12 hours). This comparison highlights the significant investment in storytelling that “Ramayana” is poised to offer.
The Chinese listing also provides a concise plot summary for “Ramayana”: “The first trailer for the epic Indian film Ramayana: The Legend of the Prince has been released! Ravana, the demon king, wreaks havoc across the three realms, while Vishnu, incarnated as Rama, descends to protect all beings. During his fourteen years of exile, Rama vanquishes Ravana, igniting Ravana’s fury. The abduction of his wife Sita further fuels Rama’s fighting spirit! When the vengeful king meets the guardian deity, a fateful battle spanning the three realms is about to erupt! Directed by Nitesh Tiwari (Dangal) and featuring a score by legendary composer Hans Zimmer, the film will be released globally in November 2026. Stay tuned!”
This entertainment spectacle is set for a worldwide premiere on November 6, with a simultaneous release anticipated in China during the same month.
