The wait for Nitesh Tiwari’s epic Ramayana just got a new twist. Producer Namit Malhotra has now confirmed an unusual global rollout plan for the two-part magnum opus — international audiences will get to watch the film two days before viewers in India .
In an exclusive conversation with NDTV Malhotra revealed that while the film will release worldwide on Friday, November 6, 2026 it will open in Indian theatres on Sunday, November 8, 2026 coinciding with Diwali.
This aligns with earlier reports that first broke the news of a November 6 worldwide release in most international markets. Now the reason behind that date is clear.
Addressing the gap between the two dates, Malhotra explained the logistics behind international distribution.
“It’ll release in India on Diwali,” he said. When pressed if that meant November 8, he confirmed, “Yes.”
He further clarified the November 6 date that appeared on the recently launched English version of the Ramayana trailer.
“So, we are releasing internationally on November 6. The international distribution works from a Friday standpoint. So, that is on the 6th of November. But in India we are currently targeting a release on Diwali,” Malhotra stated.
The strategy essentially gives the overseas market a head start on Friday, while Indian audiences experience the film on the biggest festival day of the year.
For the Indian release, Dharma Productions will handle distribution. Overseas rights have been acquired by Sony Pictures.
On the music front, T-Series has reportedly secured the rights for both parts of the film in a major advance deal worth Rs. 75 crores, as first reported by Bollywood Hungama last week.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal fame and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana is being mounted as a two-part cinematic saga.
The star cast includes:
- Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama
- Sai Pallavi as Sita
- Yash as Ravana
- Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman
- Ravie Dubey as Lakshman
The film’s score is a landmark collaboration between A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer.
Part 1 is slated for Diwali 2026, with Part 2 following a year later on Diwali 2027.
With its festival day India release and early overseas premiere, Ramayana is shaping up to be one of the biggest global theatrical events from Indian cinema.
