The highly anticipated trailer for Nitesh Tiwari's "Ramayana," featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Yash as Ravana, has dropped, sparking immediate and fervent discussion across social media platforms. The film, set to be a two-part series with a Diwali 2026 release, is already generating significant buzz, particularly concerning its lead performances and visual effects.
Yash's Ravana Performance Hailed as a Standout
Among the most prominent reactions, actor Yash's depiction of the antagonist Ravana has garnered overwhelming praise. Social media users have lauded his "epic" screen presence, with many predicting he will receive the "loudest cheers" in theaters despite playing the villain. One user emphatically described his performance as that of a "crazy beast who is there to eat everyone," highlighting an "unimaginable aura."
This strong positive reception for Yash has led some viewers to compare his impact to that of Ranveer Singh's performance in "Padmaavat," suggesting he overshadows other elements of the trailer.
Mixed Reactions for Ranbir Kapoor's Rama and Overall Production
Conversely, Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Lord Rama has elicited a more divided response. While some viewers appreciate his take, others have expressed disappointment, with terms like "bunnyfication of Shri Ram Ji" surfacing in critiques. Concerns have also been raised regarding dialogue delivery, with some users suggesting actors appeared to be "stuck in their Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani days."
Beyond individual performances, aspects such as the film's visual effects (CGI for Rakshas), overall casting choices, and dialogue quality have faced scrutiny. Several comments indicated that "except #Yash as #Ravana... everything else feels like a complete misfire," with visuals being likened to a "Telugu-dubbed Hindi serial."
Film Details: Budget, Cast, and Release
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, "Ramayana" is poised to be one of India's most expensive cinematic ventures, with an estimated budget ranging from ₹2,600 to ₹4,000 crore. The film boasts a stellar musical score by Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman, adding another layer of anticipation.
The extensive cast includes Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol, Arun Govil, Lara Dutta, Vivek Oberoi, Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh, and Sheeba Chaddha in significant roles. The first part of this mythological epic is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 8, 2026, coinciding with the Diwali festivities.