‘Ramayana’ Makes Waves at Big Cine Expo 2026: Exclusive Footage Draws Comparisons to ‘Lord of the Rings’
Anticipation for the upcoming magnum opus Ramayana reached a fever pitch this week as industry insiders caught an exclusive glimpse of the period epic. During the Big Cine Expo 2026, held in Chennai on August 18 and 19, a select group of exhibitors and cinema stakeholders were treated to 15 minutes of never-before-seen footage, sparking immense excitement regarding the film’s technical scale and visual ambition.
A Tightly Guarded Sneak Peek
The presentation, which took place on the opening day of the expo, was kept under strict security. According to reports, attendees were prohibited from bringing mobile phones into the screening room, and strict no-recording policies were enforced to ensure the raw, unreleased visuals remained confidential.
The footage offered a deeper look into the world-building of director Nitesh Tiwari’s vision. Attendees described the segment as a blend of “making-of” insights—featuring commentary from producer Namit Malhotra regarding the project’s massive scope—and raw VFX sequences. The presentation concluded with the film’s official trailer, which had previously debuted to international acclaim at San Diego Comic-Con.
Hollywood-Grade VFX
For many in attendance, the highlight was the sheer quality of the visual effects. Industry observers were reportedly stunned by the creature design, noting the intricate realization of mythological beings, including a one-eyed daitya (demon) and various bear-like creatures.
“We were amazed by the vision, imagination, and VFX,” one exhibitor stated. “Ramayana truly looks like a global Indian film. Its effects are at par with those of any Hollywood movie, like The Lord of the Rings.”
A Massive Cinematic Event
The project, which is being produced by Namit Malhotra and superstar Yash, boasts a star-studded cast, with Ranbir Kapoor taking on the role of Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash himself portraying Ravana. The ensemble is further bolstered by Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, and a host of acclaimed actors including Lara Dutta, Anupam Kher, and Vivek Oberoi.
Beyond the star power, the technical pedigree of the film is equally impressive. The visual effects are being spearheaded by the renowned studio DNEG, and the musical score is a historic collaboration between legendary composers Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman.
Director Nitesh Tiwari has previously confirmed that the two-part saga will offer a comprehensive retelling of the epic, totaling nearly six hours of screen time. The first installment is set to conclude on a cliffhanger, centering on the abduction of Sita, which will serve as the narrative bridge to the second film.
With Ramayana: Part 1 slated for a theatrical release during Diwali 2026, followed by Part 2 in Diwali 2027, the industry is increasingly confident that this project will redefine the scale of Indian epic cinema on the global stage.
