Ramayana Distribution Deal: Dharma Productions Secures Indian Rights for Nitesh Tiwari's Epic

BY SACNILK

The landscape of Indian cinema is preparing for what could be its most monumental theatrical event yet. Nitesh Tiwari's mythological epic, Ramayana, has remained a constant subject of fascination since its announcement. In a significant development for the film's domestic prospects, Variety India has exclusively reported that Karan Johar's Dharma Productions has officially secured the Indian distribution rights for this ambitious project. The deal comes after a rigorous selection process by producer Namit Malhotra, the CEO of DNEG and Founder of Prime Focus. To find the right partner for a project of this scale, Malhotra reportedly showcased an edited 30-minute footage of the film to several major studios. The visual spectacle and craftsmanship shown in this sneak peek reportedly left Dharma Productions impressed, leading to deep negotiations. While initial discussions for the distribution rights were said to have started at a staggering ₹500 crore, the deal was eventually finalized at ₹250 crore. This partnership ensures that the film will benefit from Dharma’s extensive reach and marketing expertise across the Indian market. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While Dharma Productions handles the domestic front, the film's global footprint is equally impressive. Warner Bros. Pictures has been brought on board to distribute the first installment overseas, marking a rare collaboration between a major Hollywood studio and an Indian mythological epic for a Diwali release. This dual distribution strategy highlights the producer's vision to position Ramayana not just as a national event, but as a global cinematic milestone. The project boasts one of the most high-profile pan-India ensembles ever assembled. Ranbir Kapoor leads the cast as Lord Rama, with Sai Pallavi portraying Goddess Sita and Yash taking on the role of the formidable Ravana. The supporting cast is equally star-studded, featuring Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The wider cast includes industry veterans and popular stars like Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, and Arun Govil—who famously played Rama in the original television series—now appearing as King Dashrath. The scale of the production is further elevated by its musical score, which is a historic collaboration between Hollywood maestro Hans Zimmer and the legendary AR Rahman. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, known for his work on Dangal and Chhichhore, the film is set to be released in two parts. By focusing on a character-driven narrative supported by world-class visual effects from DNEG, the production aims to bring a fresh yet faithful perspective to the timeless epic. With the distribution partners now locked in both locally and internationally, the path is clear for Ramayana to dominate the theatrical space when it arrives this Diwali.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, June 30 - The anticipation surrounding Ramayana: Part 1 has reached a new high as the Ranbir Kapoor-led magnum opus has become IMDb's most anticipated Indian movie of the remainder of 2026. The ambitious epic has topped IMDb's popularity charts, underlining the massive excitement among audiences worldwide ahead of its release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana features an ensemble cast including Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Yash as Lankesh, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey and Laxman. The film is envisioned as a large-scale cinematic adaptation of the ancient Indian epic and is being mounted as a two-part saga with world-class visual effects and production scale. According to Variety India, the 20 most anticipated Indian films ranking was compiled from page views logged by IMDb's more than 250 million monthly visitors between January 1 and June 28, covering Indian films with confirmed theatrical or streaming releases in the second half of the year. The list also includes YRF's Alpha (number 2), Yash's Toxic (number 3), Shah Rukh Khan's King (at 4), and Dhamaal 4 (at 5). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The buzz around Ramayana Part 1 intensified after the makers unveiled the first glimpse earlier this year, with audiences praising the grandeur, visuals, and Ranbir Kapoor's striking transformation as Lord Rama. Since then, fans have been eagerly waiting for a full-fledged trailer announcement. Adding to the excitement, reports revealed that the makers are planning to unveil the official first trailer of the epic at a massive event in Los Angeles on July 14. The film has already garnered significant international attention, especially due to the collaboration between Oscar-winning composers Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman, who are jointly working on the film's music and background score. The combination of Indian epic with global cinematic storytelling has made the project one of the most talked-about Indian films in recent years. The film is scheduled to release this Diwali, with the second part coming on Diwali 2027. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) IMDb’s Most Anticipated Indian Movies of 2026 Rank Movie Language Release Date 1 Ramayana: Part 1 Hindi Diwali 2026 2 Alpha Hindi July 3 3 Toxic Kannada/English August 26 4 King Hindi Dec. 24, 2026 5 Dhamaal 4 Hindi July 10 6 Drishyam 3 Hindi October 2 7 Vishwanath & Sons Tamil August 14 8 Mirzapur: The Movie Hindi September 4 9 Haiwaan Hindi September 11 10 Eetha Hindi August 28

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, June 2 - Bollywood star Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has set a benchmark that seemed unimaginable when the film was announced. The spy-action blockbuster shattered numerous domestic and worldwide box office records, emerging as one of the biggest Indian films of all time with over 1800 crores worldwide. Dhurandhar 2 is the highest-grossing Indian film worldwide (without China), and it took almost 10 years for a film to break Baahubali 2's record. However, with several mega-budget spectacles lined up over the next couple of years, it is believed that the reign of Dhurandhar 2 could eventually be challenged. Here are five films that have the potential to surpass Dhurandhar 2's historic box office achievements. 1. Ramayana Part 1 (Diwali 2026) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) There is perhaps no Indian film carrying more anticipation than Ramayana Part 1. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and featuring an ensemble cast led by Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, the film aims to bring one of India's most revered epics to the big screen on an unprecedented scale. The story of Lord Ram has a universal appeal across generations and regions. Combined with cutting-edge visual effects and a massive production budget, Ramayana Part 1 has all the ingredients needed to become a global phenomenon. 2. Varanasi (April 2027) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Among all upcoming films, Varanasi may be the biggest wildcard. Directed by S. S. Rajamouli and starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, the film is reportedly being mounted on a scale rarely seen in Indian cinema. The Rajamouli factor alone makes Varanasi a serious contender. The filmmaker has consistently expanded the box office ceiling with films like Baahubali and RRR. Combined with the cast's worldwide appeal and an ambitious, globe-trotting adventure narrative rooted in Indian mythology, Varanasi is being positioned as a global cinematic event rather than a regular commercial release. 3. Raaka (TBA 2027) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Among the newer contenders, sci-fi actioner Raaka has quickly established itself as one of the biggest upcoming projects. Directed by Atlee and headlined by Allu Arjun, the film is being mounted as a large-scale sci-fi action entertainer with futuristic world-building and extensive visual effects. The film benefits from a dream combination of Atlee's commercial filmmaking expertise and Allu Arjun's massive popularity following the success of the Pushpa franchise. Unlike most Indian blockbusters, Raaka is exploring the relatively untapped sci-fi genre, which gives it a fresh identity in the marketplace. 4. Ramayana Part 2 (Diwali 2027) If Ramayana Part 1 becomes a blockbuster as expected, the second part could operate on an entirely different level. Historically, successful films often witness massive growth with their follow-up instalments. The climactic portions of the Ramayana, including the battle between Lord Ram and Ravana, are among the most celebrated stories in Indian epic. This gives Ramayana Part 2 the potential to become one of the biggest cinematic events in Indian history and possibly surpass every existing box office benchmark. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 5. Kalki Part 2 (TBA 2027/2028) Following the 1000+ crores success, the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD has been one of the most-awaited films with the first film leaving fans on the edge. With Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan set to return, with Sai Pallavi replacing Deepika Padukone, Kalki Part 2 could benefit from both franchise goodwill and heightened audience curiosity. If the sequel successfully expands the scale and emotional stakes, it has the potential to become a worldwide box office juggernaut. Can These Films Really Surpass Dhurandhar 2? Breaking the records of Dhurandhar 2 will not be easy. The film benefited from exceptional word-of-mouth, repeat viewership, strong overseas performance, and massive pan-India appeal. However, Ramayana Part 1, Ramayana Part 2, Kalki Part 2, Varanasi, and Raaka represent a new generation of event cinema designed specifically for the theatrical experience. Each of these films possesses the scale, star power, and anticipation required to generate historic numbers. If exucation is right, then sky is the limit for these titles at the box office.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 27 - The 2027 theatrical calendar is steadily filling up, with several high-profile films already locking prime festive and holiday release windows. From Sankranti to Diwali, major stars and big-budget productions have strategically positioned themselves to capitalise on long weekends and nationwide holidays, setting the stage for an intense box office battle year. The year kicks off with a bang on Makar Sankranti with superstar Rajinikanth's Thalaivar 173, expected to be one of the biggest openers of the year. Just days later, the Republic Day weekend (January 21) will see long-delayed Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal's Love And War hit cinemas, ensuring a strong start to the year with back-to-back major releases. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) February continues the momentum as fantasy comedy Naagzilla, starring Kartik Aaryan, arrives during the Valentine's Day weekend (February 12), aiming to draw both mass and youth audiences. March is shaping up to be one of the most crowded periods, with the Eid weekend (March 5) witnessing a major clash between Prabhas' Spirit and Salman Khan's film with Vamshi Paidipally. The competition doesn't ease up, as John Abraham-led Force 3 is slated for March 19, keeping the box office buzzing through the month. Then comes April, when SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu's globetrotting adventure, Varanasi, is slated for release on April 7. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The summer season will be driven by the Jr. NTR's Dragon/NTRNeel with Prashanth Neel film, scheduled for June 11, a slot traditionally known for blockbuster performers. Meanwhile, the Independence Day weekend (August 13) is locked by Kartik Aaryan's Captain India, which is expected to benefit from patriotic fervour The biggest festival of the year, Diwali, will feature the highly anticipated Ramayana Part 2, positioning itself as a potential box office juggernaut. To close out the year, animated movie Mahavatar Parshuram, the second film in the Mahavatar Cinematic Universe, is slated for a December 2027 release, following the ground-breaking blockbuster, Mahavatar Narsimha. Apart from these confirmed releases, there are several other big-budget titles which will be debuting in 2027, including Allu Arjun's Raaka, Vicky Kaushal's Mahavatar, Balakrishna - Gopichand Malineni's film, Chiranjeevi - Bobby Project, and Venkatesh - Anil Ravipudi's film, among others.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 17 - Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor is currently going through what industry experts call the "Golden Phase" of his career. Following the historic box office success of Animal (2023), the actor has strategically chosen a lineup that balances grandeur with gritty action and high-concept drama. While it may have been over 2 years since Ranbir has had a release after Animal, the next few years will probably see at least one film of the actor hitting the big screens. Here is a deep dive into Ranbir Kapoor's films that will define Indian cinema over the next three years. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 1. Ramayana Parts 1 & 2 Director Nitesh Tiwari is currently helming what is arguably the most ambitious project in Indian cinematic history. Ranbir Kapoor steps into the role of Lord Ram, a performance that reportedly required months of physical transformation and vocal training, which is reflected in the first look teaser, though it doesn't have any dialogue. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The scale of this production is unprecedented, and the makers gave a glimpse of that by launching the first look teaser recently, after earlier showing the vision. The ensemble cast is equally legendary, featuring Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman. Part 1 is scheduled for a grand Diwali 2026 release, with Part 2 following exactly a year later. 2. Love & War (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In a massive casting coup, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has reunited Ranbir Kapoor with Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal for a period romantic war drama, Love & War. This marks Ranbir's first collaboration with Bhansali since his debut in Saawariya (2007). Unlike Bhansali’s recent period pieces, this film is described as a "contemporary war-backed romance." With a release date locked for January 21, 2027, after being postponed multiple times, the film is expected to dominate the Republic Day holiday window with its blend of intense emotion and visual splendour. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 3. Animal Park Sandeep Reddy Vanga's action thriller Animal was a polarising juggernaut, and its sequel, Animal Park, is already one of the most searched upcoming titles. Ranbir will expand his role, playing both the protagonist Ranvijay and the menacing antagonist Aziz. The script is currently being finalised, with filming expected to commence once Vanga completes his project Spirit with superstar Prabhas. Fans should expect an even darker, more visceral exploration of the family's violent legacy sometime in late 2028. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 4. Dhoom 4 Perhaps the most surprising addition to his roster is the reboot of the Dhoom franchise. While there is no official confirmation yet, Ranbir is set to take over the mantle of the sophisticated "anti-hero" in Dhoom 4. The film aims to modernise the heist-action genre for a global audience. The shooting timeline is yet unknown, but if all goes well, the film may hit the big screens in 2028. 5. Brahmāstra: Part Two – Dev (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Amid the uncertainty over its future, Ramayana producer Nitesh Tiwari recently confirmed that he will take care of Brahmastra 2 after Ramayana. The first film was produced by Dharma Productions and Star Studios. Except for the fact that the movie is on, there is no concrete development in it yet. Director Ayan Mukerji is currently busy with scripting, and if things go as planned, the movie might go on floors next year for a 2028 or 2029 release.