Sony Pictures is orchestrating an ambitious global theatrical release for Nitesh Tiwari's two-part epic, "Ramayana: Part 1," targeting an unprecedented 59,000 screens worldwide. Scheduled to debut on November 6, 2026, ahead of the Diwali festivities, this massive rollout is poised to set new benchmarks in film distribution, surpassing even major Hollywood and Indian blockbusters.
Setting New Global Distribution Records
The planned 59,000-screen launch for "Ramayana: Part 1" includes over 50,000 screens in international markets, with approximately 9,000 dedicated to India's domestic theatrical footprint. This scale comfortably eclipses the global screen counts of films like James Cameron’s "Avatar: The Way of Water" (roughly 52,000 screens), as well as Indian blockbusters such as "Pushpa 2: The Rule" (12,000-13,000 screens) and "RRR" (10,000-11,000 screens).
Producer Namit Malhotra expressed the global aspirations for the project, stating, "The aspiration is to now take it to the world as we are with our partnership with Sony Pictures. We are hoping to make sure that Ramayana now releases globally as a big universal film."
Technological Innovation and Star Power
The ₹4,000 crore project, produced by Prime Focus Studios, DNEG, and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, boasts a star-studded cast. Ranbir Kapoor takes on the roles of Lord Rama and Lord Parshurama, with Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita and Yash portraying Ravana. Other prominent actors include Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, Lara Dutta as Queen Kaikeyi, Arun Govil as King Dasharath, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, and Rakul Preet Singh.
The film's technical prowess is equally impressive. It features a joint soundtrack composed by Oscar winners Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman, alongside action direction by Guy Norris, known for his work on "Mad Max." To support its multi-region release, "Ramayana: Part 1" is expected to be available in nearly 50 languages, utilizing DNEG’s proprietary AI lip-sync technology, Brahma AI, in addition to premium IMAX presentations.
Anticipation Builds for Diwali 2026
The initial teaser footage, released during Brahma Muhurat on July 30, rapidly accumulated over one billion cumulative views across various languages within just five days, indicating immense global interest. "Ramayana: Part 2" is slated for a Diwali 2027 release, further extending the epic saga. The unprecedented screen count and advanced technological integration highlight the producers' commitment to delivering a truly global cinematic experience for this revered Indian epic.